Titus 3: 1-2
Worship Devo with Josue Rolon
Dive Deeper
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
Titus 3: 1-2
Behind the Scenes
The book of Titus is one of two pastoral Epistles. Paul is writing to Titus in this passage, instructing him on how to set the order of the church in Crete. The message is for Titus to teach how the gospel must lead to changed lives, and it is simple. Be ready for every good work, speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show courtesy. The main focus here is the way that we treat other people. The tricky part is the way that we treat other people who don’t hold the same value system as we do.
The first part ‘reminds’ us to be submissive to rulers and authorities. Politics can be stressful, and we know that they have been lately because of loud opinions, passion for opposite ends of a spectrum, and protesting. While none of those things are necessarily bad all of the time, we as Christians have a high command. The next verse advises us “to speak evil of no one.” No one. Period. We may disagree with issues, but we are still called to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy. I know I’ve missed the ball on this one at times, but that’s why He reminds us, because each and every day when we wake up, we need to humble ourselves before God so that we can do just that. Just remember that people are watching followers of Christ to see how we will respond.
Make it Real
Speaking of the way we respond, let’s focus on the “to be ready for every good work.” This past week, a deadly fire took the lives of two people and displaced several families here in Eagle River. With the devastating news, the family of ACF (That’s you and me!) raised over thirty thousand dollars. Thirty thousand!! We were able to host a memorial service and fly family members of the deceased to Anchorage so that they could be part of it. Additionally, we were able to provide the first month’s rent for one family, and beds for another family. We, as the church, were ready to demonstrate gentleness and courtesy when the community needed it most. .
Do you feel like you’re ready for every good work? I encourage you to pray to God and ask how your hands and feet can do good works for Him. Good works should never come out of obligation or duty (If that’s you, God may be calling you to do less). Ask God where your balance should be at so that it is in His name alone. Later in this chapter, Paul writes that we are saved not by good works but according to his own mercy, by the renewal of the Holy Spirit. (Verse 5). I encourage you to assess your heart today and ask yourself, and Jesus, if it is aligned in Him today. The beautiful thing about all of this is that He makes us new every single day, so it’s never too late to begin a journey of being like Him! I want to love like Jesus does, and I want you to as well!
Ali Bair
ACF Devo Team
End in Prayer
Lord,
Help me to be ready for every good work that You would call me to. Help me to always be ready to respond to Your call in my life. Show me where You want to use me to be Your hands and feet this week.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen