Titus teaches us many things. The most important is that we are to follow the laws made by governments as long as they do not counter those given to us by God. However this is not where I wish to go at this time.
This is about how we are to appear to those about us. Those of the world and those that say they are “Christian” but their behavior says otherwise. The behavior we are about to review:
Titus 2:12 – Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Worldly – kosmikos – earthly, worldly (belonging to the present earthly world as opposed to the heavenly and future)
Lust – epithumia -desire, eagerness for, inordinate desire, lust
Now I have keyed into these words for a reason. What is “belonging to the present earthly world” really mean?
The answer is very wide-ranging. This is the problem.
There is an example that I live with daily at my job. The main topic on the lips of my fellow co-workers is something that I would not doubt happens in all offices, shops, or plants. It is sports. Any sport. How this player does this; how that team is doing; who is in the gaming pool this week. This is the world. As is television shows as well as various other things. This was even more emphasized by the way folks acted about the “Super Bowl.” This is “worldly.”
What is sad is I was alone. I could find no others like myself that gave little interest in this event. It has become the great event. Parties everywhere, the only thing you hear talked about. This is “lust.”
People that call themselves “Christian” have also embraced this. Even having parties at this pastor homes to watch this earthly spectacle. Now I know we are to have moderation in our lives, but this is extreme, beyond reasonableness.
How are we going to correct this though? This is something that each person may ask themselves and deal with. They must pray and think hard about how they wish to live, for now we must consider the next verse that I showed from Titus.
Waiting for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Something that is becoming more and more prevalent in the world today. A world that is looking more and more like Sodom and Gomorrah than a world of God fearing people that place others before themselves.
I really wish I could offer something to help each person come to realize that where they are in their lives, but this is something in each person’s heart. Many that think themselves prepared and ready to follow God into heaven are not. For they are placing more of their desires on their homes, their possessions, which are destine to decay. They care more for cars, movies, television show, and their looks. All of which the Bible states is something those of the world seek after but not what true “Christians” seek after.
Does this make you wonder? Does this make you question where you stand with God?
If the answer is Yes, good.