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Titus 2:11-14, For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.  And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

In this chapter, Paul gives very specific instructions to young and old as to how to behave and conduct themselves as followers of Christ.  As opposed to the false teachers in chapter one, Paul wants Titus to teach sound doctrine, which includes that behavior should be consistent with belief; there are certain virtues that Christians should live up to.  Doing otherwise damages their witness in the community.  Titus himself, as the leader, must also be an example of living a blameless, virtuous life. 

Today's focus verses speak to why the Christian lives ethically and blamelessly.  There should be a direct link between theology and ethics.  If we truly believe that God has been revealed and salvation has come, that those who believe are freed and cleansed from sin because of the blood of Christ, and that receiving Christ makes us new creations, THEN we should act accordingly.  We are no longer slaves to the mess of the world.  We have the ability to change, to act differently, to behave in a way that demonstrates the Spirit within us. 

Our behavior, our ethics, our speech should all testify to who and whose we are.  How are you doing in this right now?

Let's pray...Lord, Oh, how we need you.  Cleanse my heart, cleanse my speech, cleanse my actions.  I want the world to see that I belong to you and you alone.  More of you, Jesus, and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.