“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)
“Stress this to the Cretans, Titus,” Paul wrote. “People who say they believe God should act like they believe God—and people who trust God do good. Then everyone wins. It’s not just right, it’s fantastic.”
Then, as now, some Christians misunderstood what God wants from us. They thought all that mattered was signing on the dotted line to believe in Jesus and go to heaven. What happens between then and now . . . stays in Vegas (so to speak).
But Paul wants Titus to insist to those people that just as trusting God for our salvation is an act of faith, so is trusting God by doing it his way right now and right here. People who trust God don’t turn around and say, “If I obey him now, though, I’ll miss out on something good.”
Faith in God shouldn’t have an on/off switch to fit my circumstances.
Think: How often do find yourself reaching for the temporary off switch on your faith because you’re not convinced God knows what he is talking about when he tells you how to live?
Pray: If you have trusted in Christ, ask God to help you to be careful to devote yourself to doing what is good.
Do: Make a quick list of 2-3 areas of your life where your actions might not line up with what you say you believe about God.