Perspective

The Titus 2 Way

Titus 2 instructs the various groups within the church on how they are to relate to one another and live consistently with sound doctrine.  This list of instructions are also the characteristics of a healthy church, thus a healthy Christian.  

However, before we can ever begin to understand Titus 2, we must get perspective.  See the big picture.

When the LORD answered Job out of the storm He asked, "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations?" and "Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place?"  If you haven't read Job 38-42 lately, now that's perspective!

Job had problems.  But he came face to face with God, the same Creator who by the very breath out of his mouth were the starry host made, and Job's once very serious situation was suddenly not such a big deal.  In other words, God is God whether Job exits or not.  Sometimes life just stinks, but then again where was I when He gathered the waters of the sea into jars?  That's perspective.  A "view of things in their true relationship or importance."  After his encounter with the awesome God, Job got some perspective.

In chapter 40, Job responded to the LORD, "I am unworthy-how can I reply to you?  I put my hand over my mouth."  Again, in chapter 42, Job must respond to the LORD, "I know that you can do all things;  no plan of yours can be thwarted.  You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?'  Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things to wonderful for me to know.  You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak;  I will question you, and you shall answer me.'  My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.  Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

When I view God in his glory and acknowledge his worthiness with my praise, I always see my correct position.  It will be impossible for any of us to get Titus 2 unless we get perspective.  I've tried to find in Titus 2 if there is some blessing or reward, just something in it for me if I do what is says.  I can't, not there.  What I come up with doesn't have anything to do with me at all.  I learn to do the things listed in Titus 2 so that God's word is not dishonored by my ignorance and that in every way how I conduct myself and my household it would bring others to His salvation!  Here's where perspective comes back.  It does not say that I can slander someone if they really are crazy or mean or since my husband is a jerk he doesn't deserve love.  Actually, it just says do it.  To give God glory above all else.

Just when I want to say "yeah, whatever" my Father lovingly reminds me in Titus 3, "At one time I too was foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.  I lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.  But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved me, not because of righteous things I had done, but because of his mercy."

WOW!  Perspective!

Knowing God for who He says He is and not just what He can do for you will change your life.  By the way, notice that Job said he had heard of God but now that he had seen Him, Job figured he'd be better off to just be quiet.  Job realized he had been speaking of things he really didn't have a clue about.  I think of how often I "tickle my ears with religion" or speak of things to great for me.  When I actually stop and read the Word and spend time in prayer, I "taste and see that the LORD is good."  I too encounter and come face to face with Jehovah.  Amazing!

Titus 2 Women meets 2nd Monday of each month, 6:30pm

mikeandshelly@hughes.net, 601-520-6939