“…that the Word of God may not be blasphemed…”
– Titus 2:5
In chapter two of Titus, the Apostle Paul lays out how older men and women are to lead. They are to be “sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things” (Titus 1:2-3). Titus had to close the chasm between the lips and lives of God’s people. What people claimed to believe needed to be demonstrated in how they lived their lives.
The Apostle Paul once wrote that he was “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ is life-changing power. This is what was at stake in Crete. Society could not be allowed to damage the witness that is to be left behind. The self-control of godly men was to have a positive influence on others. Holiness exhibited would provide a reputation for effectively promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is what was missing in the churches of Crete.
The Scriptures are like a stone of grace. When thrown into the center of the fellowship, it has a ripple effect. Today each of us must ask ourselves what we are leaving behind in the wakes of our own life. Holiness and a good reputation or “wordliness” with a poor witness? May we strive to live a life worthy of our calling so that the Word of God may not be blasphemed.
“Our friendship with Jesus is based on the new life He created in us, which has no resemblance or attraction to our old life but only to the life of God. It is a life that is completely humble, pure, and devoted to God.”
– Oswald Chambers
surrendered devotions 