the basic message #E7
Titus 3:1-2
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
I’ll drive around 40,000 miles this year, so I get to see many drivers in action each day. As you might guess, I see quite a few rude and dangerous drivers. That in itself is to be expected, but I still get surprised when their car has a “Jesus fish” on the bumper. You know what I’m talking about- it’s the little plastic fish that people use to announce that they’re a Christian. Unfortunately, being a rude and inconsiderate driver generally tells other people otherwise. Whether it’s a Jesus fish or a bumpersticker with your church name or any symbol that tells people we are Christians, our actions speak much louder than our advertising. We, as Christians, should observe every traffic law perfectly, as the scripture above commands. My vice is driving above the speed limit. I’m a careful driver with a great record, but that means nothing if I’m driving too fast. I would guess that there are Christians who park in fire lanes illegally, and drive through red lights regularly. And yes, I would suppose that there are Christians that even park in handicapped spots illegally. I know that “everyone else is doing it”, but we are called to a higher standard. Are we on the narrow path or the wide one?
James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
A few years ago, a co-worker insulted me. This was his statement, “You render your words empty”. I didn’t understand what he meant, so I asked for clarification. He explained, “You say many good things when you talk about your church and about God, but then you turn-around and curse or tell a racist joke. When you do that, you render all of your good words empty.” I was really angry, but after cooling-down and considering his criticism, I decided he was right. He was actually pretty kind the way he did it, and that was my first experience with being rebuked in love. He moved to Florida shortly after that, and I never got to thank him for the good he did in my life. Lane, if you’re out there, thanks buddy.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Christians have a big responsibility to convey the same characteristics of our leader, Jesus Christ. We will fall far short each day we live on this earth, but we must try our best to be the greatest advertising we can be for the Master. If you didn’t have a “Jesus fish” or a “WWJD” bracelet or a cross lapel pin, would folks know you are a Christian? If you weren’t allowed to utter a word about Jesus, would your actions shout to the world that you’re on Christ’s team? As I heard on Christian radio recently, “Tell someone about Jesus. When necessary, use words”. Doesn’t that say it all?