Zeal for good works!

Bible Reading: Titus 2:1-15

Once, I saw a photograph of Ms. Mamata Banerjee lighting a candle to a picture of Mother Theresa.  The sari Ms. Banerjee wore looked exactly like Mother Theresa's sari!  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 motivated Ms. Banerjee to devote her life to the people of West Bengal.

What a testimony!

The believers in Crete lacked leadership and suffered as a result.  Paul was concerned with building up the Church in Crete.  A church can only get as strong as individual believers.  Paul said about the people of Crete that, "They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed" (Titus 1:16)

The people in Crete professed to be believers, but by their actions, they denied Christ!

This serves as a reminder that our actions, words, and 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.  Paul writes, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age …” (Titus 2:11-12).

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.  Paul urges Titus to champion purity, service, and kindness toward others! 

Even today, this advice is valid. 

Jesus came to save.  And we are saved 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.  Our actions speak louder than words!

My friend, for a believer, living a sanctified life is not an option.  When what we profess and our actions do not match, we become a stumbling block for the people around us.  Inner transformation should result in a life set apart for God, 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!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, sanctify me so I will not be a stumbling block to my neighbors.  My life should inspire others to do good works where God had placed us!  Amen.