KNEE-JERK REACTIONS
Titus 3:5-8
The Message: “It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, He saved us from all that. It was all His doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with Him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.”
Titus 3:5-8
The Message: “It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, He saved us from all that. It was all His doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with Him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.”
How many people figured that Every Believer’s Calling devotion (Jesus’ Great Commission command, in Matthew 28:19-20) was something trivial or unimportant? Talking about Jesus isn’t what they do. Maybe this is you. Maybe you bought into that age-old adage that “politics” and “religion” should never be discussed. I agree that there’s a time and a place for everything. When a neighbor’s ranting, now isn’t the time to challenge him to look in the mirror. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.
Fifth-grader Brad pulled Ronnie’s arm and yelled, “Stop hitting Keith, he’s only in third grade!”
“He made fun of my boots!” Ronnie said defending himself.
“They’re ugly!” Keith insisted.
Brad’s gripped Ronnie’s arm tighter. “That’s not your business, Keith. Apologize to Ronnie…So what if you don’t like his boots? They’re his, not yours.”
Keith looked down, mumbling, “Sorry.”
Brad looked at Ronnie. “Your turn, Ron....Guys, this isn’t that big of a deal, it’s only boots!”
“These boots are hot” Ronnie asserted. Then he added, “It’s OK, squirt.”
Serving the Lord is really that simple. Brad didn’t’ have to lecture or preach to these guys. He only had to do the right thing. Just because “going into the world and telling others about Jesus” sounds difficult, it’s no excuse not to obey His command. We can serve God right where we are. We can show others who we serve by right behavior—every time.
God’s gifts His children with everything we need to accomplish every command given. There is no limit to what God can do with a willing helper. But when we refuse to obey God, obeying ourselves—or our feelings—won’t cut it in the real world.
Take Home Nugget
Forget excuses when it comes to serving the Lord. He won’t listen. But He does promise to empower us for whatever He calls us to do—and then reward us for our obedience.
Anything that takes God’s rightful place is an idol. Is your idol pride, stubbornness, excuses?
J.D. Griffith
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