May 28 2009
What is the evidence of your faith?
Titus 3
Paul is emphatic about Christian behavior in his letters to young church leaders. Titus gets the same instruction, and is told to “affirm (it) constantly” (3:8).
I wonder what Paul would write to the western Church today? How would he approve/correct our behavior? In just a few verses, he reminds Titus to be:
- subject to rulers
- obedient
- ready to serve
- nice (not speaking evil of people, specifically)
- peaceable
- humble
- gentle
And then he reminds us why: Because Christ died to give you the gift of salvation. It’s kind of the least you can do.
In verse eight, he writes, “those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” It’s the same sermon James gives us in his letter (chapter 2) about demonstrating your faith through good works.
Good works - from soup kitchens to refusing gossip - are evidence of our faith.
I saw a bumper sticker once that read, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Well?
