Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Why do you do the things you do? Maybe you’re a rule follower, or you’re seeking admiration from others. Or perhaps, it's done as a way to demonstrate God's love for others. Whether we realize it or not, we do what we do for a reason. The underlying motivation is both what drives our response and contributes to sustainability. When our motivations are faulty, they prevent us from achieving our goals.
How about when it comes to your spiritual practices? What motivates you in this area of your life?
Prior to this verse (Titus 2:11), Paul spent time instructing Titus on how to encourage and mentor the citizens of Crete in Godly living. But the short word at the beginning of today’s verse, shifts the conversation from “the what” to “the why.”
Titus 2:11
For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people (emphasis added).
This is why Paul encouraged Titus to grow up Godly men and women. It's not arbitrary or just because it looks good, NO! It's for the reason of, or because of, God’s grace. The following verse explains it well.
2 Timothy 9-10
9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.
Paul is encouraging Titus to help the people of Crete live a certain way, not as a box to check, but so their lives reflect God’s love and grace. Then they can be a witness to others about the healing Jesus offers. This type of living will naturally draw in other people, allowing the Gospel to spread. It's Good News available to everyone!
Spreading the Gospel is not just about inviting people to church, though that is certainly important. Rather, each facet of our lives—physical, emotional, social/vocational, and spiritual—should reflect the incredible grace Christ offers us when we put our faith in him. Christ's love for us transforms our lives, giving us a new motivation to follow him and causing our lives to look different.
Does yours?
Questions:
Which spiritual habits do you have? Why do you do them?
In what ways does your life reflect the love and forgiveness Christ showed you?
Next Steps:
Spend time this week reflecting on God’s incredible love for you and his forgiveness, even though you didn’t deserve it.
Then consider the motivations of your actions. Consider all the facets of your life and how each could reflect the love and healing that Jesus offers to everyone.
Prayer:
Father, you saved me and called me to a holy life, not because of anything I did but because of your love demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice. Today, Lord, help me reflect the love and forgiveness shown to me. Let my life illuminate the Good News, so others may come to know your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Titus 2:14
“He [Jesus] gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”
Today’s post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut Devotional.