Good morning,
Living in challenging times isn’t something new. Every generation since the beginning of time has been faced with the challenge of being surrounded by wicked, troublesome people who are a part of those who claim to know and love God. The apostle Paul assigned one of his young followers, Titus, the challenging task of leading a troubled church (many rebellious people) living on a very troubled island called Crete with a reputation of being, "The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.”(Tit.1:12) This young missionary was given this real challenge because Paul had been doing outreach to people like this since he became a genuine lover of God. Paul knew by experience what God could do to change the hearts and lives of people who lived this way. Paul started his letter by writing, I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.(Tit.1:1) What our cultures world wide have done is to move away from the idea that there is a global right and wrong that has been set by the God who has created our world and those who live on it. Paul knew that the key to seeing lost people changed was knowing that God is always aware of what goes on in people’s hearts and know who will listen to and learn from those of us who represent him.
What God does in people’s hearts is to move them from a fear driven life to a life directed by the God who loves them and will help them to know and follow his eternal truth. We are told that, Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.(Pro.1:7) Real faith in God is always based on our willingness to obey God in the face of our fears. People who are genuine followers of God will face all kinds of challenges because of their sin natures, but will also learn to trust the love and goodness of God as they go through the growth challenges that God requires for genuine spiritual maturity. Jeremiah saw this truth after great struggles and pain and wrote, Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.(Lamen.3:32,33) Real godly living doesn’t just come from listening to ideas and doing good things. Real godly living comes when we are willing to be trained by God through sorrows and challenges as a part of our witness to those around us to the faithfulness of God when the going gets tough. The Psalmist put it this way, Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!(Psa.32:10,11) Paul also pointed out that this process has another outcome that makes all this groaning and growing wonderfully worthwhile. He wrote, This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God–who does not lie–promised them before the world began.(Titus1:2) May the Lord help us to treasure God’s training and God’s loving power as we live our lives based on God’s eternal truth.
Titus 1:1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God–who does not lie–promised them before the world began.
Roy Wisner
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