Contrast

A recurring theme with Paul is good works. Even James said faith without works is dead, but Paul has gone on to tell his readers to be prepared, equipped, zealous for, and careful to maintain every good work. He tells us in 2 Timothy to be diligent to present ourselves approved to God, workers who do not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. He gives Titus a sort of Venn diagram in chapter 3, except the middle ground is where we ought not linger.

Paul begins this chapter by providing direction and shining light on how leaders of any assembly of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ ought to conduct themselves and offers a reminder of why we ought to remain humble.

“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”

“For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.”

Ask yourself:

As a leader (someone called to carry out good works), am I doing what I am supposed to be doing?

• Am I truly and fully and wholeheartedly subjecting myself to those higher ranked than myself?

• Do I obey? Quickly, thoughtfully, happily, and thoroughly?

• Am I continually ready to meet the urgent needs of those around me?

• Do I refrain from speaking anything but life over people?

• Do I strive to be peaceable with all men?

• Am I gentle in word and in action? How about in thought too?

• Do I show all humility to all men?

OR

• Am I stuck in the past on the hamster wheel of worldly ways?

• Do I do stupid things or entertain ridiculous or unsound thoughts?

• Do I prefer to carry out a request my way or only when I get around to it if it still needs to be done?

• Am I unaware of the truth, living in my own comfortable reality?

• Do I do what makes me feel good and avoid anything that disrupts my comfort or threatens my peace?

• Do I operate maliciously, with ill intent? Do I think I am more deserving than my neighbor?

• Would I lowkey be happier if any other certain person were gone for good?

Such a short chapter. Packed with conviction. Packed.

By default, we are all 1) saved by His mercy, 2) washed by regeneration, 3) renewed by the Holy Spirit, and 4) justified by grace. It does not stop there. This is where our part starts. We have got to get up, and never become weary in doing good. I want my crown!

Don’t justify your mingling in the middle of the Venn diagram, being comfortable with your salvation and ignoring the call for action on your part.

Also, don’t take my word for it. Take the Lord’s:

“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans [the lukewarm church] write,

‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Lord, correct me. Chastise me. I open myself to your calling on my life to do more than simply be. Show me the works You have for me to do. I want You, and I want to honor You. I am a vessel for Your honor, and I see that, Lord. Give me ears to hear and eyes to see. Show me what it means to be Your hands and feet. Lead me in the way everlasting, and let me never settle for complacency or comfort again. Thank You for pushing me out of the nest. I am grateful for Your guidance and for Your quickening. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ all-redeeming name, Amen.