Scripture - Titus 1:15-16 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.
NIV
Observation - Paul is giving instructions to Titus in this book regarding the establishment of leadership and elders in the church. Paul says earlier that Titus was left to finish what was unfinished. Here in vs 15 Paul is giving Titus some much needed education on what to look for in leaders. He says that people claim to know God but by their actions they deny him. It is amazing what our actions tell about our beliefs. You could ask someone if they believe God and have them tell you yes - but with their actions you can tell they really don't. Interestingly enough my son Dylan has a great ability to spot these things. Dylan is quietly influential and can see through what people say to their actions. Because Dylan doesn't talk alot - he is watching the actions to determine a persons faith. The old adage "Actions speak louder than words" seems very appropriate here. You can claim to be a Christian all you want but what do your actions tell those around you. In many cases life actions are a stronger testimony than the words we say. Can people tell you are a Christian without opening your mouth. Or do you claim Him with your mouth and deny Him with your actions.
Application - As a pastor I know that I come under a higher scrutiny because of the position I hold, however, irrespective of that position - I need my actions to line up with my verbal testimony. In everything I do, I want Christ to shine through. I want my actions to scream to the world that I love God and am faithful to His son. My life must scream by my actions that my life is dedicated to the one true God. I never want my life to deny the Christ that I love.
Prayer - Father watch over me. Watch over the things I do both in public and in private. God I pray that my life be a living testimony of my love for You. Father help me to walk in the commandments that you have detailed for me in your word. Father you mean the world to me and I want the world to see you in everything I do.
NIV
Observation - Paul is giving instructions to Titus in this book regarding the establishment of leadership and elders in the church. Paul says earlier that Titus was left to finish what was unfinished. Here in vs 15 Paul is giving Titus some much needed education on what to look for in leaders. He says that people claim to know God but by their actions they deny him. It is amazing what our actions tell about our beliefs. You could ask someone if they believe God and have them tell you yes - but with their actions you can tell they really don't. Interestingly enough my son Dylan has a great ability to spot these things. Dylan is quietly influential and can see through what people say to their actions. Because Dylan doesn't talk alot - he is watching the actions to determine a persons faith. The old adage "Actions speak louder than words" seems very appropriate here. You can claim to be a Christian all you want but what do your actions tell those around you. In many cases life actions are a stronger testimony than the words we say. Can people tell you are a Christian without opening your mouth. Or do you claim Him with your mouth and deny Him with your actions.
Application - As a pastor I know that I come under a higher scrutiny because of the position I hold, however, irrespective of that position - I need my actions to line up with my verbal testimony. In everything I do, I want Christ to shine through. I want my actions to scream to the world that I love God and am faithful to His son. My life must scream by my actions that my life is dedicated to the one true God. I never want my life to deny the Christ that I love.
Prayer - Father watch over me. Watch over the things I do both in public and in private. God I pray that my life be a living testimony of my love for You. Father help me to walk in the commandments that you have detailed for me in your word. Father you mean the world to me and I want the world to see you in everything I do.
