A Word for Our Arbor Family
When Paul writes to Titus, the very first word he uses in chapter 3 is "Remind." That word stopped me. Why would people need to be reminded? Because we forget. Life gets busy, people hurt us, the world pulls us in different directions and we forget who we are supposed to be.
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. (Titus 3:1-2)
This is how believers are meant to carry themselves every single day. At work, at home, on social media, in traffic. People are watching us. Our lives are preaching even when our mouths are closed.
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures. (Titus 3:3)
Paul includes himself. He says "we." Nobody came to Jesus already clean. We were all lost. Remembering this should soften our hearts toward people who are still walking in darkness. It is hard to judge someone when we remember we were once standing in their place.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us. (Titus 3:5)
We did nothing to earn this. God looked at our mess and chose us anyway. That is grace. And that same grace should flow out of us toward everyone around us.
Paul warns us in verse 9 to stay away from foolish arguments and divisions. Some conversations are just not worth having. Not every opinion needs our response and not every argument deserves our energy. Protect the unity of the Body and "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18)
This week let grace lead us. Let humility walk before us. And when we forget come back to the Word and be reminded.
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. (Titus 3:1-2)
This is how believers are meant to carry themselves every single day. At work, at home, on social media, in traffic. People are watching us. Our lives are preaching even when our mouths are closed.
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures. (Titus 3:3)
Paul includes himself. He says "we." Nobody came to Jesus already clean. We were all lost. Remembering this should soften our hearts toward people who are still walking in darkness. It is hard to judge someone when we remember we were once standing in their place.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us. (Titus 3:5)
We did nothing to earn this. God looked at our mess and chose us anyway. That is grace. And that same grace should flow out of us toward everyone around us.
Paul warns us in verse 9 to stay away from foolish arguments and divisions. Some conversations are just not worth having. Not every opinion needs our response and not every argument deserves our energy. Protect the unity of the Body and "Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18)
This week let grace lead us. Let humility walk before us. And when we forget come back to the Word and be reminded.