Titus
7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works…
Titus 2:7a
Observations:
Paul entreats Titus, as a minister, to be a role-model for the others in his community.
Questions:
What’s the point of doing good works? If I’m saved and my sins have been forgiven, why should I bother doing good things?
Meanings:
Much of Paul’s letter to Titus concerns proper behavior and lifestyle for followers of Christ. He urges Titus to life such that those around him will have a good model to follow. As Christ commands that we love one another (John 13:34-35) and even that we love our enemies (Matt. 5:44), the Apostle here rearticulates that teaching, instructing Titus to act with love in all of his works. While this is appropriate behavior for all Christians (and truly for all people), Paul makes a special point of instructing Titus to be a model of good works that the community might have no opportunity to accuse him, and that others might look to him as an example, similarly to how we all should look to Christ as an example.
Application:
Christianity is a ministry of believers. In all my dealings with the world and with other Christians, I have been called to be a model of Christ’s love. Sharing love and joy with the world is one of the greatest evangelism tools I have, giving the best example God’s transforming power. To be believable as a minister, though, I must make every effort to live according to these principles continually, spreading Christ’s love through the world and giving a strong example for others to follow. While I realize that I’ll never be perfect this side of death, I also know that God will guide me in his appointed path as long as I am honest in my prayers, open-minded enough to see the path he sets before me, and willing to follow that path.