TITUS

In my sequential reading of the letters of Paul, I just finished Paul's personal letter to Titus. It is believed this letter was written from Corinth, just after 1st Timothy and before 2 Timothy. It is powerfully packed with compelling instructions and admonitions for Christian leaders and for Christian living, as well as safeguards for the things we need to avoid.

It is an absolute treatise of belief linked to behavior. It screams: Walk the talk! It lists conspicuous contrasts.

It talks about those who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers; those who teach for shameful gain. Chapter 1 is brutal in its assessments citing those who are liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons...those who deny God by their works. Paul says they are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

What a contrast to the qualities he proclaims must be present in those who lead:
above reproach
hospitable
a lover of good
self-controlled
upright
holy
disciplined
hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught (i.e., the Truth)
able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

And interspersed with the positive qualities, Paul specifies negative qualities that would disqualify them from leadership service in saying they must not be arrogant or quick tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.

Other qualities he identifies for various people which apply appropriately to all who seek to be intentional Christians include:
(Those directed to older men:)
sober-minded
dignified
self controlled

(Those directed to older women:)
reverent in behavior
not slanderers
not slaves to much wine
teach what is good
train young women to love their husbands and children
be self-controlled
pure
working at home (as opposed to running around being busy-bodies or gossipers)
kind
submissive to their own husbands

(Those directed to younger men:)
self-controlled

(Those directed to Titus:)
a model of good works
integrity
dignity
sound speech

(Those directed to slaves:) (Today in our country this would apply to the workplace.)
submissive to their own masters
well-pleasing
not argumentative
not pilfering
showing all good faith so they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior

(To all of us:)
renounce ungodliness and worldly passions
live self controlled, upright and godly lives
submissive to rulers and authorities
obedient
ready for every good work
speak evil of no one
avoid quarreling
be gentle
show perfect courtesy toward all people
devoted to good works
help cases of urgent need

There are more nuggets in Titus - but Paul's instructions are clear. We have to walk the talk.

Sometimes it is difficult to discern precisely what God is asking of us in specific situations, and there are times we extend kindness out of compassion not knowing if it is going to make a difference - but God sees our hearts. He is El Roi, the God who sees us. Whatever we give out of His love is just the same as giving it to Jesus. Sometimes we get to be God's hands extended...offering hope. We can't be the Holy Spirit. We can't step into the role of fixing something that is God's to achieve, but we can be His messengers, pointing others to Him in tangible ways. We are never the answer. But He is, and if reaching out and offering a helping hand points someone to Jesus and spiritual health, then it is worth the risk.

The same Jesus who took a few loaves and fishes and fed the multitudes lets us partner with Him to make a difference in the world. We are blessed to be a blessing, poured out for Him.