After Malachi, which you may have read about last week, I continued my Read. Write. Pray. journey in Titus. It’s pretty short, but this little book packs a spiritual punch to the soul.
Titus was written “for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords to godliness…”
It’s main theme was making sure that his reader was firmly rooted in the truth of God’s word, so that he could teach others correctly, and rebuke those who contradict God’s word. He touched on the traits that many different roles in the church should display- that of elder, godly men and women, young and old, slaves, and people under earthly kings and rulers. We were reminded to live in such a way that no one could speak badly of us.
That stood out the most to me- we are to behave in such a way that even if someone hates us they would have nothing bad they could say about us, because our behavior was above reproach. By living in such a way, God’s name may not be reviled. I’m afraid that many today who say they follow God don’t live lives above reproach- they have learned to replace loving sinners with passing judgement and telling them loud and clear that they’re wrong in (insert sin here), but have no other interactions with them. How can we show love to them without building a relationship? If all we were ever told by someone is how wrong we are in a particular area, what would our opinion of that person be? I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t be that they love us, and are telling us these things for our good.
I’m also really noticing that it said that our knowledge of the truth was tied to our faith and godliness. The more we know of his word, which is truth and life, the more we know about who he is, what his will for us is, and how we can glorify him. The more we know of his word, the more we can spot when something is teaching contrary to his word. The more we are in his word, the more we desire to know him more, the more we desire to live according to his commands. How well do you know his word? How often do you spend time reading his precious words to us? Our knowledge of the truth is connected to how well we live for him… I’ll be the first to admit I struggle in this area, and I know I don’t spend as much time with him as I need to – my attitude many days shows it.
Go ahead and take a look at the traits God has lovingly laid out for us. He desires us to emulate him, in these roles he’s given us. I know that I haven’t been living a life above reproach, especially if you were to ask those in my household. I have much to think and pray about, so that I can learn to live in such a way that my behavior doesn’t bring a bad name to my God. What about you? I know he can help us learn to live in a way that brings glory to his name!