storiesofvalue

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. (Titus 3:3)

The relationship of “then” and “now” is a common one in the writings of the apostle Paul.  “Then” meaing the time before Christ transformed us by the washing away of our sins.  “Now” as the state of our souls when we walk in grace. 

We will talk about the relationship of these two “times” in our lives over the next couple of days.  But for now, we need to look back.  “At one time, we were different.”

The chief difference in our two lives has to do with our master.  We used to be mastered by “all kinds of passions and pleasures.”  Perhaps you remember this passage by James who was trying to bring his believing readers to their senses: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.  When you ask, you do not receive,because you ask with wrong motives,that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:1-3)

The teaching in the New Testament is that believers are no longer ruled by these things.  However, the battle rages within us.  It is as if we forget who we are and erroneously listen to the old master, when in fact, we are ruled by Christ. 

This is why there were people in the churches of Crete who practiced deception and made a habit of bullying others with Old Testament legalism.  It isn’t that they were not followers of Jesus, as least for the most part.  Rather, it is an indication they were still having a hard time with their final goodbyes to the old master. 

There are a lot of reasons we find ourselves being unfaithful to our new Master, who is Jesus, our Lord.  Sometimes His way is difficult.  On occasion we fail and fall in our efforts to please Him.  And to be honest, there are times when the old way, Satan’s way,  just feels more exciting.

Have you ever experienced the rush that comes from dabbling in some of the sins outlined in this morning’s verse?  Malice and hate are empowering!  When we say hurtful things about others, whether our words come out in the form of gossip or slander, we feel better about ourselves.  When we hate, we feel justified.  We will do anything to get what we want: prestige, attention, positions. 

But when the hateful words and actions are over, and we are left alone with our selfish selves, we realize our old master was just using us.  If you will allow me to borrow from a modern metaphor, we were his “human traffic.”  We thought he was a lover, but we were just being used…used, abused, and tossed to the curb. 

“Foolish!”  That’s what Paul calls it.  Why would we be unfaithful to the One who died for us in favor of the one who could care less if we lived or died.

Don’t be deceived or enslaved again.  Worship Jesus as Lord.  There can be no other.

Dear God, I don’t want to go back.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“…to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3:2)

These instructions are given to everyone and are for the benefit of all.

We have seen this word “slander” before: “teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers…”  Why is slander such a serious spiritual crime, and why would Christians participate in it?  How does it differ from the similar sin of gossip?

I am not a human psychologist, and cannot speak with complete authority on those things that motivate people to sin.  But I have made the following observations:

Slander is akin to gossip, yet different.  Gossip involves passing along unnecessary or damaging information about others.  A gossip doesn’t check to make sure he has his story right.  He just enjoys talking, and is empowered when others perceive him as an authority.  The damage done by people who talk without thinking is horrendous.  James spends an entire chapter addressing the problem (James 3).

Slander employs gossip, but is more strategic in its intent and practice.  A slanderer is selective in those she wishes to hurt and looks for opportunities to discredit them and point out their flaws.  She is often deeply insecure, and feels a need to compete with those who threaten her position or prestige.  And so she is always spinning tales to profile her targets, leaving out the good they do and overplaying their weaknesses. 

One of the worst things about slander is that people often believe it.  I remember the first time I met someone who used half-truths and untruths to hurt others.  I was completely dumbfounded because I didn’t think it was possible for Christians to purposely say things they knew were false.  In fact, one of the reasons slander spreads quickly is because most of us assume when someone tells us something, it must be true.  But people lie.  Good people lie! (I know that sounds weird, but hopefully you know what I mean).  It took me a while to accept this harsh reality, but when I did, I became much more careful what I listen to, what I repeat, and what I believe. 

The other characteristics in this morning’s verse take care of themselves when we care enough about others to be honest with them and about them.  When we are humble, we do our best to present others in a good light, and don’t attempt to hurt them for the sake of building up our own ego.

Don’t believe everything you hear, and don’t say anything you don’t know for certain.  And if you have the courage to do so, when you hear something that isn’t true, hold people accountable.  Slander and gossip is a big deal and according to the scripture can keep one out of the kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). 

No wonder the Bible tells us to be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19).

Dear God, help me be careful what I say.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, (Titus 3:1)

There was a time when being subject to rulers and authorities meant mostly that Christians should obey the law.  I still remember bring taught to respect policemen and government leaders as a young person.

There is a Biblical teaching that emphasizes God’s role in placing rulers in authority.  One day David, who would be king, had an opportunity to kill King Saul.  Saul had lost all credibility as a leader and had tried to kill David.  But David passed on the assassination because he respected God’s anointed (1 Samuel 24).

We are fortunate to live in a country where we have legal and political means to challenge poor leadership.  We may not care for those who have authority over us, but we must be very careful with our words and actions, lest we lose our integrity, and presume to take God’s place.

This does not mean there is never a time for civil activism, and in extreme cases disobedience.  In our lifetime we have seen people of faith risk their lives to stop tyrants and save innocent lives.  Yet, we should not be quick to rebel against authorities, especially if there are processes in place to address their flaws. 

In recent years, the attitude of Christians toward authorities has taken on more of a collective (church family) nature, as whole churches have clashed with local governments.  There was a time when governments assumed the good a church did far outweighed the revenue lost due to its tax-exempt status.  In fact, communities that wanted to attract residents highlighted neighborhood churches as an amenity. 

But things have changed.  Governments no longer automatically assume the influence of the church in setting a moral tone is deserving of special favor.  And neighbors now sometimes fight church expansions because they bring traffic and noise.  This shift in governmental perception and public support has led to nasty battles between churches and local authorities. 

There is no way I can judge this reality or point the finger at who is right and who is wrong.  Every situation is very different.  But I know this: as disappointed as the Lord’s people might be toward those in authority, they must never forget this morning’s passage.   

And beyond respecting authority, Christians must also strive to do what is good.  Government leaders, law officers, and all variety of city, county, state and federal employees are humans too.  They have families, dreams, struggles and feelings.  They grow weary of criticism and the thoughtless actions of those who oppose them.

Practice good citizenship.  Use processes and legal channels to correct errors in government.  Take strong action if you must.  But as much as is possible, live at peace with those who lead.  Love them.  Pray for them.  Show them respect. 

After all, a lawless spirit hurts us all.  But a loving witness can warm the coldest heart.

Dear God, increase my patience toward those in authority.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. (Titus 2:15-1)

This verse does not mean Paul is finished with his list of lessons for the churches of Crete.  He has a few more thoughts to share.  Perhaps the Spirit nudged Paul with this random instruction, and he wanted to record it before continuing.

If we really stop to think about the responsibility Titus carried on his shoulders, we realize how easy it would have been for him to be overwhelmed.  He was working with infant churches, in a pagan culture, without ready access to an apostle. 

One thing I have in my ministry is ready access.  I can e-mail my relatives, my old professors, and my friends in the ministry.  The elders I serve with are a click away, and on a daily basis I have other full-time ministry staff I can consult.  And when all else fails, I can open respected commentaries and theological dictionaries to help confirm or refute my thought processes. 

Titus had a letter from Paul, which he must have read a thousand times.  He also had those he would choose as elders.  But compared to more established church settings, Titus was relatively alone in his work.

He had to encourage and rebuke with authority, and conduct his life in such a way that others could find no reason to despise him.

Where does this kind of authority come from, and how do we get it?

We must realize Titus was a special case in that he was being tutored by the apostle Paul.  His special relationship with Paul was deserving of respect, as well as any unique gifts the apostle might possibly have imparted to him. 

But in general, Titus’ authority came from his moral integrity and his grounding in sound doctrine.  You might say Titus “commanded” authority.

For years I have studied the subject of leadership for my own edification.  Some aspects of leadership are innate, some learned, and some conferred.  I have seen two-year olds demonstrate leadership abilities, but I have also watched grown adults transformed before my very eyes when they determined to grow as leaders, or were caught up in something God was doing.

The truth is I don’t know everything there is to know about leadership development.  But I know something about leadership voids.  And there is always a void when a leader doesn’t know anything about the place he is leading others, or denies foundational truths by the life he lives.

Maybe Paul imagined sweat breaking out on Titus’ brow when he read the words in the first two chapters of his letter.  Perhaps the Spirit said, “Paul, you need to give him a good word here.”

Leading with authority is hard for anyone to do.  And without God, it is nearly impossible.

Dear God, lead me as I lead others.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:11-14)

I really like this morning’s passage because it describes a grace that goes beyond our normal expectations.  When we think of the word “grace” we often think only of forgiveness.  After all, God poured His grace out on the cross of Calvary in the person of His Son Jesus.   

But grace is bigger than forgiveness.  It encompasses all good gifts that come from God.  The sun that rose this morning and the first breath you remember taking after you opened your eyes were a part of God’s grace.  So are the people in your life who bring you joy and the roof over your head that shelters you from the elements.

And this morning Paul reminds us of one other, seldom noted characteristic of grace.  Grace is a teacher that trains us to live godly lives in the present age. 

How does it teach us?  It does so by reminding us of the price Jesus paid to bring about our salvation.  He died on the cross to cancel our debt of sin and redeem us for His Father’s purposes.  If we don’t understand the trouble we were in when we were trapped by sin, we can’t fully appreciate how thankful we should be for the price Jesus paid, and the grace we have been given.

We have been purified with the blood of Jesus.  Our hearts desire should be to “do what is good” and every time we are tempted to do otherwise we should hear grace say “No!”

Grace is not a person, as are God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  When we say it teaches us, we are merely personifying a spiritual truth.  Yet, in time, we grow to love grace in much the same way we love a person.  Perhaps this is because Jesus was Himself grace personified as He expressed it in full love and surrender on the cross.

Sometimes the descriptions I hear of grace sound more like a “get out of jail free” card than a treasured truth.  There are those who sin willfully because they say God accepts them as they are.  This is true in the sense that God doesn’t turn anyone away.  But in actuality, God doesn’t believe a life of sin is acceptable.  If He did, He wouldn’t have put His Son through the pain of the cross to redeem us. 

God expects us to leave our lives of sin.  He assumes we will want to do what is good because that is the purpose for which we have been redeemed.  To do otherwise is like falling asleep in our first-hour class where grace is doing her best to teach us how to please God.

Today we wait for the “glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”  What will He find us doing when He comes?

Dear God, help me grow in my understanding of grace.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. (Titus 2:9-10)

The study of the subject of slavery in the Bible requires a difficult cultural shift in our thinking.  Since I believe we have a collective conviction that the idea of owning another human being is morally wrong, it is odd to find someone like the apostle Paul enabling such a system by encouraging slaves to be compliant. 

Shouldn’t Paul be setting up safe houses throughout Crete for runaway slaves?  Wouldn’t it be right to organize slaves and help them fight for their rights?

This might be a good thing to do if progress was being made toward the abolition of slavery, or if there were some fundamental assumptions on Crete that all men were created equal.  But this was not the case, and it also does not appear Titus was in a position to change the structure of Cretan society.  Remember, he had only been left there by Paul to put things in order in the church. 

This in no way suggests there is not a time to take a stand against an immoral practice, whether or not one believes he has an opportunity to actually make an impact.  However, I believe, in this case, Titus was so far removed from being able to address the bigger issue of slavery on the island of Crete the best he could hope for was to teach people, regardless of their circumstances, to practice the character of Christ.

I won’t spend much time on the things slaves were not to do as they are pretty self-explanatory.  Challenging a master’s authority and stealing from the same would certainly bring shame to the name of Christ, and possibly create greater trouble for the slave. 

However, Paul’s logic for asking Titus to instruct slaves was not along the lines of avoiding trouble.  It had more to do with making God attractive.

This is an extremely important principle that touches on almost every area of our Christian walk.  We want to make God attractive.  While we may not have slave masters, we do have a lot of people in authority over us.  The way we treat them speaks volumes! 

How do we treat our employers?  Do we constantly criticize them?  Do we steal time and resources from them?  Are we courteous to law officers?  Are we gracious toward government authorities, even when we don’t get our way?  Can we have a lively debate with a referee without questioning his character?  When we join a team do we exploit the faults of those in charge, or do our best to make a contribution? 

Being respectful of authority does not require that we become “pushovers.”  It does call us to think of how our service to those who have charge over us affects what others think of the Savior we worship.  This can be a difficult dynamic to keep in balance, but sometimes we must weigh our personal desires against how God might be portrayed.  God can take care of Himself, but we don’t want someone to reject Him because of our bad behavior.

Dear God, show me the balance.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good.  In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:6-8)

This morning’s passage was the most personal for Titus.  Since he was a young man of faith, he was to “set them an example by doing what is good”… “in everything.” 

Do you see it?  Paul didn’t tell Titus the “older men” were to be an example to “younger men.”  They certainly had an influence similar to that of “older women” on “younger women.”  However, Paul doesn’t focus on this perspective.

Instead, Paul says, in “your” teaching show integrity, etc.  The implication is that Titus is probably the best model men in Crete had of a godly man.  Talk about pressure!

Here is a brief sketch of the characteristics Titus was to embrace:

Integrity – He was to walk the talk.  There were to be no glaring problems in his life that undermined his message or the name of Jesus.

Seriousness – He was to be a diligent student of pure doctrine and realize his words could impact people’s souls.

Soundness of speech – His moral integrity and careful attention to doctrine were to translate into a bold proclamation of the truth.

All of these would insure the enemies of the cross on Crete could not use Titus and others as negative examples.  Examples are funny this way.

Like it or not, it is human nature to use “cause and effect” to typify a people group.  If we see people behaving badly, we can point to their associations as the cause.  On the other hand, if we see people behaving well, we think better of their associations, or at least find nothing bad to say.

I will be honest and say I personally find great satisfaction when a scientific study reveals that the bad things I don’t think people should be doing have an adverse affect on their lives.  I say, “See there!  That’s what I’m talking about!” 

The better part of me knows these judgments are not always fair, just as it isn’t fair for enemies of the cross to malign Jesus or the church when a Christian does something unchristian. 

But this is what happens.  It is human nature.

So to the degree Titus was able to set a good example, and draw other young men into a life of integrity, the message of Jesus would benefit.

And nothing has changed.

Dear God, help me help, not hurt Your cause.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. (Titus 2:4-5)

Sometimes, I think, we are so quick to react with cultural filters we miss the point of scripture.  Obviously, there are those in our society who would see this morning’s verse as a dangerous attempt to put women in an inferior role. 

But consider the situation if younger women chose a different way.  They would withhold warmth and love from their husbands and children, creating an emotional detachment that would nurture a cold and thoughtless environment at home.  Their lives would be undisciplined and prone to indulge in sinful practices, placing their husbands and children at risk.  They would treat others spitefully, speak badly of them, and show favoritism toward those who had something they wanted.  And in every way they would disrespect their husbands, seeking to undermine their authority at home and embarrass them in public.

As a result, this circumstance would reflect on the name of Christ and the Word of God.  How could a family possibly grow healthy in this kind of atmosphere?

We should also back up a bit and remember Paul’s instructions to “Older” women in our last devotion.  They were to be, “reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.”  Only then could they have the credibility necessary to train younger women. 

I personally understand the fear people have when someone starts to mix religion with domestic roles.  In our generation we have seen the horrific results of religious fundamentalists who abuse, ridicule and even torture women in the name of God.  It is more obvious to me than ever that the honor and opportunity a society affords women is a direct indicator of its progress.

But teaching younger women to love and respect family members, as well as practice the kind of morality that brings respect to God is not narrow fundamentalism.  In fact quite the opposite is true.  Rightly understood, and in the context of husbands who also practice love and respect, these characteristics make family an awesome force to be reckoned with.

And rather than malign God’s word, a healthy family is attractive. 

A last thought on the word “train”: I have noticed we are always being trained by someone to view others and ourselves in a certain way.  It seems to me those who train us to love and respect others are more inclined to have our best interests at heart.  Those who encourage us to do otherwise are often cultivating a relationship they hope to use for their own purposes.

But that’s just the way it seems to me.

Dear God, teach me how to have healthy relationships.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.   

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. (Titus 2:3)

My first thought when reading this passage is that the older women in Crete must have been a little rough around the edges.  But then, we must remember, there were all kinds of people, men and women, learning to live like Jesus. 

When I hear the word “reverent” I think of a sign I saw not long ago in a church building.  It was an historic church where people came to look, not worship.  Yet, the sign reminded people who entered to do so in a “reverent” manner.  I interpreted the sign to mean people should not be loud and boisterous.  It probably didn’t have anything to do with the actual state of one’s heart.

Yet, it is the state of our hearts Paul is talking about here.  A “reverent” life is one that is lived with an awareness of God’s presence.  One can still be loud and reverent.  In fact, sometimes, one of the most reverent things we can do is celebrate with others, as we show thanks for the Lord and His goodness.  And in the same way, it is possible to be quiet and “irreverent.”  If our hearts are filled with bitterness and evil, we can put ourselves in opposition to God, even as we say nothing.

Older women are not to be slanderers.  They are not to say things about others that are not true.  This is not to say older women are the only ones guilty of slander.  I know this particular group is often labeled as “gossipy.”  But to be honest, I have heard some pretty good gossip from older men too.  Perhaps the older women of Crete were especially prone to fabricating damaging stories about others. 

Why would anyone slander another human being?  The reasons may be many, but harmful words have always been an effective means of tearing others down for the purpose of building one’s self up.  The words may be framed creatively.  I have even heard a few put forth as “prayer requests.”  “God has laid on my heart a need to pray for our dear sister who did something the other day that wasn’t very nice…bless her heart!”

As far as being addicted to “much wine”, we know the dangers of alcoholism.  The addiction only makes other struggles in one’s life worse, and opens a wider door for Satan to work.   

Obviously, these characteristics will serve one well in the work of the Lord.  A reverent person who watches her words and avoids addictive behaviors will be able to think and act clearly.

As a result, she will be able to teach what is good.  She teaches with words and with her example.  And not only does she teach, but she is a living testimony to the peace one has when one lives as though God is watching…which He is.

I can honestly say most of the older women I have met in my walk with the Lord have been wonderful reflections of Jesus.  And just so you know, I think it is possible to be a little rough around the edges and still be godly.  In fact, every now and then a little “in your face honesty” from an older woman is just what we need.  As long as it is done reverently!

Dear God, thank You for examples of the faith.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. (Titus 2:2)

Paul seems to shift here from church leadership to the more general subject of Christian character.  But is this really his intention?

The Greek word for “older men” used here is “presbuteros.”  You may recognize this as the very same word Paul used in Titus 1:5 where he instructed Titus to ordain “elders” in every city.  So which is it?  Is Paul still talking about church leaders, or has he indeed moved to the general? 

I suggest both.

The context of our passage does indicate Paul has changed direction.  He refers to “older men”, then “older women,” “younger women,” “younger men,” and even “slaves.”  All of these people would have been a part of a common household on Crete, and each of them needed to consider their behavior in light of their faith in Jesus.

However, I have always felt we are mistaken when we say Titus 1 and 1 Timothy 3 provide the “qualifications” for elders and deacons.  I am not saying these passages are not excellent guides.  It is just that they are not inclusive, and when we view them as such, we run the risk of overlooking some other valuable leadership traits.

All of the traits to be taught to older men are similar to that of the ordained elder, with the addition of two: “love and endurance.” 

We are told earlier that an elder is to “love what is good.”  But here we discover all older men of faith are to be “sound” in love, which is another way of saying they are to have a “healthy” love. 

I am not sure how else to say it: a leader who is unhealthy in his ability to love will use his leadership as a vehicle for his own ego, in a feeble attempt to fill up some void in his own life. And in the process he will set a tone of contention, judgmentalism and legalism in the church.  I am of the firm opinion some men should not lead the church, including those who preach, teach and serve on foreign mission fields, because they have never addressed serious emotional or psychological injuries sustained in their lives. 

“Endurance” is similar.  Also translated “patience”, the ability to be patient with people and circumstances requires an inner peace and stability.  We must realize Jesus’ ability to endure to the end was a result of His confidence in who He was, and why He came.  Nothing else explains His ability to speak these words from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”

I am learning to be an “older man.”  In fact, later this year I become 55, which means I get a few discounts here and there.  I hope I can be a good “older man.”  I am certainly open to advice.

Dear God, continue to heal me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.