What Does The World See?

Scripture:
Titus 3:1-8 (NIV)

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 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.

Devotional:

An image of Gollum from JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings appeared in my mind after reading the scripture verse.  He was a bent pitiful creature whose only thought was getting what he perceived as his.  How much are we like him?  Titus 3:3:

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

Before Christ came into our lives we were very much like Gollum in various ways.  It isn’t until we are filled with the Holy Spirit that we overcome our sinful nature.  Through the love of Christ we truly are given a new birth.

It is about time we, as Christians, start acting accordingly.  I know I am guilty of having bad attitudes, or not being happy with what God has given me.  I can be short with family members when I am agitated or too focused on something.  The world is watching us.  What is it that they really see?  What do you want them to see instead?  Let us show the world who we really are.  Let us follow what we are told in Titus 3:8:

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.