Titus 1:12-14

Passage

A certain one out of them – a prophet of their own – said, “Cretans always lie, they are evil beasts and lazy gluttons.”  This testimony is true.  Because of this reason, rebuke them severely in order that they should be correct in their faith, not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of people who have turned from their belief of truth. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul speaks about the Cretans, quoting one of their own prophets.  The words are harsh, but they are not altogether untrue about humanity in general.  Human beings do tend to say things to put themselves in the best light – lying if necessary.  We do tend to have some evil tendencies.  We don’t mind having lazy days where we think about ourselves.  Hopefully none of us are this way all the time, but we certainly have those tendencies within us.  They can come out any time if we are not careful.

When are you susceptible to these traits that Paul talks about?  What can you do about keeping these traits at bay within you?

Second Thought:

Paul then tells Titus to rebuke those who oppose him and live according to a different agenda than God.  Paul knows the truth about human beings.  He knows that if we aren’t careful, ugliness creeps in without notice.  Soon we find ourselves acting in a way we don’t intend.  What can save us from that fate if we aren’t stopping that behavior ourselves?  The rebuke of a friend or spiritual authority.

Who in your life can rebuke you when you aren’t right?  Who in your life do you give access to know when you believe and act justly? 

Third Thought:

There is a purpose for the rebuke.  Paul doesn’t want people putting their faith upon myths and thinks we don’t know to be true.  Paul doesn’t want people putting their faith into the charisma of others when we can instead put our hope in the strength of God.  The rebuke isn’t just to put people in their place; a good rebuke hopefully moves people to a better place.

How do you respond to rebuke?  Does it matter from whom the rebuke comes?  How good are you at taking criticism and being willing to learn from it to move yourself to a better place?

Passage for Tomorrow: Titus 1:15-16