Hidden Gears

HIDDEN GEARS

Titus 3:1-8

V. 3: “At one time we 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.”

Sustain Through devotion showed Jeremy change gears. Three twelve year old boys stopped making fun of ten year old Jeremy when he wished them a great day. Jeremy forgave them, despite his wanting to deck them for mocking him every day on the school bus. People generally plow through life at one speed. But occasionally, we slow down, and do something different, just like Jeremy did.

Jeremy’s changing gears caused a ripple effect in the lives of those three guys. Trey said, “What do you think Jeremy meant about, ‘Have a great day?’”

Perry commented, “It was way more fun when he insulted us. Who else can we pick on?”

“Doesn’t Jeremy play football? Let’s go see one of his games,” Walt suggested.

Jeremy’s forgiveness changed the attitude of three twelve year old boys towards him. Everything we say and do affects others. Forgiving others changes us—it frees us from the chains of bondage to bitterness.

People’s actions are on display on the world’s stage. Others judge us on our performance. How long does it take to grow out of being foolish, like the opening Scripture describes?

Young people naturally do foolish things. How they respond to criticism influences their next performances. Years of living teach people how to act in varying situations—their performance improves as they learn what works out best.

As a young child, I got a bicycle. It had one speed. I didn’t know the difference, so I pedaled fast everywhere I went. Then I got a three speed bicycle. That changed everything. I could change gears depending on whether the road was up hill or down. It was way more fun. Then I got a ten speed bike.

I could rip through the gears and observe how the pedaling changed. I didn’t use every gear every day. I chose which gear was best for the road I was travelling. The same is true for people’s performances in various life situations. Everyone has hidden gears. Specific circumstances demand performing in different gears.

Life teaches people when to switch gears.

Take Home Nugget

When Jesus died on the cross and offered people forgiveness of sins and eternal life, the world’s stage changed. After accepting Jesus as Lord of their lives, some people pedal at one speed for the rest of their lives. Others grow up in their faith, and change gears that improve their performance. Mature Christians perform in the righteousness gear on the world’s stage.

Keep hidden gears ready to use as God finds work for you.

J.D. Griffith

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