For over three years now I have been reading the same verses every morning. These verses have truly made an impact on my life, on my awareness of how the Father wants me to see and treat others.
“Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—
When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.” Titus 3:1-8 NLT
This is a big order to fill but God isn’t asking us to do it on our own. No, He is telling us to live like this, directed by the power of His love and His grace.
It’s because of His grace that we have been made right in his sight and it is by His grace that those who are living contrary to His will be drawn to Him.
The Apostle Paul knew this drawing of God in a very public and personal way. He was zealously rounding up Christians. He had them arrested and imprisoned, even killed.
One day he had a personal encounter with the Lord. It wasn’t an encounter with men who were condemning his actions but instead an encounter with God himself. God in his mercy brought Saul, now Paul, to repentance.
“So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.” Acts 9:17-18 NLT
Our command from Scripture is to always be ready to do good and not to slander! We are to remember when we first were introduced to God’s grace. It wasn’t something we deserved; it was something we were freely given.
There’s only one way we can fulfill this command.
“ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20 NLT
Father, remind me of Your word. Remind me to always be devoted to doing good.