Titus 3:3-9
The “church” is often accused of being filled with sinners, people who do not always represent God in their words and actions. That is true. In fact, that is what draws us together to be the church of God’s people. We recognize our failures, imperfections, and struggles to make the right decisions or to say the loving word to another. We sometimes goof up big time!
In Titus 3, Paul writes: “we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
There it is! We are a people who have experienced God in our life or a people who are seeking to know God and wanting to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness and care. Sure, we are far from perfect. God knows that too! Todd, my husband, and Lutheran pastor, once said, “If it weren’t for sin, I’d be out of business as a pastor!”
God has assigned us, sinners and saints, a task in our home, community, nation, and world. We are to be his ambassadors to demonstrate the best we can God-like actions, words, and attitude, in what we say and do. We will fail sometimes, but God, who loves and forgives, will do just that. God will encourage us, and when we have failed, God will expect us to get back up and continue the work of being a faithful God-servant. We gather in the church to support and encourage one another in our efforts.
Paul writes “[therefore, because you] have come to believe in God…be careful to devote yourselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. 9 Avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”
This message from the letter to Titus gives us encouragement and a reminder of God’s hope and direction for each of us. The church is the foundation from which we work and live.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for reminding us of your way of being. Forgive us when we fail. Amen