Zeal for good works!

Today I saw a picture of Ms. Mamata Banerjee lighting a candle to a photograph of Mother Theresa.  The sari worn by Ms. Banerjee struck me.  It looked exactly like the sari worn by Mother Theresa!  The article said that the life of Mother Teresa inspired the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Ms. Mamata Banerjee.  Mother Teresa's life was one of simplicity, sacrifice, and service, and it had motivated Ms. Banerjee to devote her life to the people of West Bengal. What a testimony!  A person's life should inspire others to do good works, irrespective of where God had placed us!

The believers in Crete lacked leadership and were suffering as a result. Paul was concerned with building up the church in Crete. A church can only get as strong as the individual believers. In his letter to Titus, Paul talks about how Titus should handle such a situation.  The Bible says in Titus 1:16, "They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed."  The church in Crete professed to be believers but by their actions, they denied Christ.  The actions or words, or deeds should reflect the inner transformation. The people around us cannot see our hearts, but a changed life will be visible to all and may even become an inspiration for them.  A changed life will deny ungodliness and worldly lusts but desire righteousness and purity. A changed life will be zealous for good works even as they await the Lord's return (Titus 2:11-14). Paul urges Titus to champion purity, service and kindness toward others!  

Even today, this call is valid.  We have to talk about forgiveness of sins because of the finished work on the Cross. That is the first step. But we need to speak of the sanctified life, too, the purifying of our lives.  Paul is concerned with those whose profession and deeds do not match.  When what we profess and our actions do not match, we become the stumbling block for the people around us.  Our actions speak louder than words!

My friend, for a believer, living a sanctified life is not an option.  The inner transformation should result in a separated life filled with zeal for good works.  Only a life lived that way with the Holy Spirit's power can impact people and lead them to Christ!

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