In the Here and Now
FEBRUARY 9, 2008 (SATURDAY)
Yesterday I mentioned Titus in the blog. Titus served in a place where one of its residents said, “These men of Crete are all liars, they are like lazy animals, living only to satisfy their stomachs.” The book of Titus in the New Testament is Paul’s letter of encouragement to him to live the Christian life in a place where many were unbelievers and were opposed to the moral message that was part of the good news of salvation in Christ.
Today we Christians are likewise challenged to live for Christ in a world that bears resemblance to the world of the First Century, when the New Testament was written. Titus is reminded that the grace of God that brings salvation is available to all people everywhere, and he is to maintain his confidence in it. The grace of God appeared in Jesus Christ, and brings salvation to all who will accept it.
The grace of God is not a spineless and apathetic philosophy; it is a message with moral significance, because it shows us how much God loves us and wants us to become new people with a spiritual nature that honors the holiness of God. It teaches us to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions and “yes” to a self-controlled, upright and godly life. No environment, then or now, no matter how ungodly, can keep us from living the right kind of Christian life. God’s grace is greater than immoral influences.
Titus was reminded in the New Testament letter to remain aware that Christ can appear again at any moment, in judgment, to announce the end of worldly history and the beginning of all things new and better. Until that time, let us live for Christ in this present age.