Though he didn’t normally carry money with him, Patrick sensed God was leading him to tuck a five-pound note in his pocket before leaving home. During the lunch hour at the school where he worked, he understood how God had prepared him to meet an urgent need. In the midst of the lunchroom buzz, he heard these words: “Scotty [a child in need] needs £5 to pay for his school dinners for the rest of the week.” Imagine the emotions Patrick experienced as he gave his money to help Scotty!
In Titus, Paul reminded believers in Jesus that they weren’t saved “because of righteous things [they] had done” (Titus 3:5), but they should “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good” (v. 8; see v. 14). Life can be full, extremely busy and hectic. Attending to our own wellbeing can be overwhelming. Yet, as believers in Jesus, we’re to be ready to do good works. Rather than being overwhelmed by what we don’t have and can’t do, let’s think about what we do have and can do as God helps us. In doing so, we get to help others at the point of their needs, and God is honoured. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
What can hinder good-works readiness in your life? How can you reorder your life to be available for helping people who are in need?
Dear Father, please forgive me for the times I’ve ignored opportunities to do good. Help me to be more available to help others.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Titus, Paul’s gentile convert and protégé (Galatians 2:1), travelled with him on his missionary journeys (Titus 1:4). Paul had left him in Crete to strengthen the church (v. 5)—to teach believers how to live lives that honoured Jesus, to set standards for leadership (ch. 1), and to encourage Christ-honoring and gracious behaviours within the church family and the unbelieving community ( chs. 2–3). Paul reminds us that “[God] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (3:5). We’re “justified by his grace” (v. 7). We’re not saved by our good works, but we’re saved so we can do good works. Believers in Jesus must “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good” (v. 8 ). We’re reminded that as “a people that are [God’s] very own,” we must be “eager to do what is good” (2:14).
K. T. Sim
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