Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
Titus 2:7-8, 11-15 (NRSV)
Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.
…
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one look down on you.
Reflect
I once heard about a guy who was sitting in traffic and noticed that on the bumper of the car in front of him was a sticker that said “Honk if you love Jesus.” The guy thought to himself that he did indeed love Jesus so he honked his horn. The driver of the car with the bumper sticker turned around in his seat and proceeded to yell and make rude hand gestures. Evidently that driver had forgotten about his sticker!
Today’s passage instructs us about how to live a life of integrity as Christians. If we call ourselves Christians but act in a matter that contradicts our faith, we are hurting our witness. Sure, we are human and we all make mistakes, but according to scripture, we also have a higher standard by which we are to live. As Christians we fight and argue with one another on Facebook and Twitter. Sometimes we are quick to judge and slow to forgive. We may make worship about our wants and needs rather than about God. This passage reminds us how to act and live as Christians. The next time someone “honks” at you, think twice before you react!
Pray
Lord, have mercy upon us when we let you and others down. Help us to remember our commitment to you and show love, compassion, and respect to those with whom we come into contact. Your love never fails, and we are forever grateful to you. Amen.
Go with God.
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