This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Titus 3:8
Sometimes it’s really easy to know when something’s good or not. You don’t have to eat a whole bowl of soup to know if it’s good or not. One taste and the answer’s right there in your mouth.
In the movie Rain Man, Tom Cruise gives instructions to Dustin Hoffman about playing blackjack in a casino. Since cards worth 10 are good, Dustin’s to bet two chips if there are lots of 10’s[1] and only 1 chip if there aren’t many.
You see, sometimes it’s really easy to know if something’s good or not. But there are times when the answer isn’t all that clear. There are times in life when you really don’t know which way to turn, and then there are times when it’s right in front of our face.
Paul tells Titus that there are some things in this life that are dependable. Some things that you can bet your life on. Some things that you can go to the bank on. You can bet the farm and not have to worry.
So, what’s this truth that Paul’s telling Titus and us? It’s the fact that people who have trusted God will carefully devote themselves to do good. Now, that doesn’t sound all that earth-shattering. Does it? It doesn’t knock you off your feet. You didn’t fall off your chair when you read those words.
But there’s something oh so important in what Paul wrote. He’s telling Titus and us that there’s two sides to everyone who says that they’re followers of Jesus. It’s not just what they say, but it’s also how they live. Jesus himself said the same thing to hid disciples.
By their fruit you will recognize them.
Matthew 7:16
Jesus was teaching his followers to be on the lookout for false prophets. They’ll look good on the surface, but they’re wolves in sheep’s clothing. Their words will be smooth, but it hides a wicked heart[2]. Their smooth talk and flattering are there only to deceive[3].
That’s why Paul tells Titus and us to be watchful for what people do. Their actions need to agree with what they say. They’re to live out their faith. Their actions and words are to strongly agree with what they believe. And this isn’t something that only happens on Sunday. Or when someone’s watching. Oh no. Their lives need to match their faith even when no one is watching.
But this consistency between their faith and lives isn’t just to be always lived out over time. Their lives are to have a life that’s steady. Not a lot of ups and downs when it comes to their faith and lives being together. There’s a stable calm to their following Jesus. Through the ups and downs of life, their lives stay right there with Jesus.
Yes, it’s great when there’s a mountain top experience. It’s fun when there’s lots of excitement and overwhelming joy when life’s going great. But life’s not always going to be like that. We can’t depend on our emotions to direct us on what’s right and wrong. They may be right once in a while, but they will spell disaster most of the time.
This is where devotion comes in. When we devote ourselves, we make sure that we don’t turn to the right or the lift. We maintain our relationship with Jesus and how he’s directing us to live. But how do we do this?
We first pay attention to what’s going through our head. What thoughts are consistently playing on the screen in our brain. And then, second, we carefully see how those thoughts and feelings are being played out through our lives. Do our actions match up against with who Jesus is and our faith in him?
And that constant measurement is made against how we act. Is there a consistent stream of good works flowing out from inside us? Not forced, but flowing in the through is by the power of God’s Holy Spirit.
Let’s be really clear about something. We are not saved by good works[4]. We are saved and changed by receiving Jesus’ payment for our sin on the cross. Period. There’s absolutely nothing that we can do to earn God’s grace, kindness, and love.
But, that faith in Jesus will absolutely lead to good works[5].
It’s no accident that Ephesians 2:8 is right next to Ephesians 2:9. They’re together so that we can see the connection. We’re saved and changed by God’s grace alone. But that change will be seen in the way we live our lives. Our lives are to be seen by God and the people around us as for the good. So, how’s that good thing going in your life?
Nodding Questions
Does your mind drift towards the things that are good? Why or why not?
How can we build greater consistency in our walk with Jesus?
What changes should God’s grace be making in all our lives?
[2] Proverbs 26:23-26
[3] Romans 16:18
[4] Ephesians 2:8
[5] Ephesians 2:9
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