Be the Example

Ever notice that in society, the prevailing theme is to be seen. And think about that which is thought to be of importance: silly dances, hacks to life, sensationalism, and the like. What has the world come to that all of that is what is important in the lives of people.

“⁷Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, ⁸and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” — Titus 2:7-8 (ESV)

Now that is what I am talking about. Paul points out to Titus that is “good works” and “integrity, dignity, and sound speech” we should be concerning ourselves with. And, it is not “to be seen”, but rather to be the example of what right is. It is this example that sets us apart from the world and not the ability to be seen as the silly dancer or hack or somehow more sensational. I have to remember that the LORD has tasked me with bringing the gospel to the world and doing so as His example.

“¹¹For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, ¹²training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, ¹³waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” — Titus 2:11-14 (ESV)

God has prepared me to complete the tasks He has for me, and it is my duty to follow through with that duty and do so as His example. He has provided for me the framework and the direction and the skills, and has instructed me to just do the work. I am to follow His lead and be an example to others, through my actions and not through the attention grabbing antics of the world. I am to be “zealous for good works”, not seeking for the world to know me, but they will know of my works and of God.

What are you seeking in this world? Are you looking to be seen as the silly dancer, life hacker, or sensationalist? What if you focused on being a zealot for good works as an example of Christ and simply spread the gospel as God has instructed and allowed the glory to be received by Him?

Be Rich in Good Works

“¹⁷As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. ¹⁸They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, ¹⁹thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” — 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)

There is nothing wrong with being rich. The thing is where are you placing your trust and worth, in the monetary things of this world or in the riches to be gained in heaven. There are plenty of people in this world who are monetarily rich and no one knows because they are not out there in the world pronouncing their riches. They are the ones out there doing the work of Christ and using their monetary wealth to enrich others through their work. These people are doing good and are rich in good works as Paul indicates in the above verses.

Yes, there are those who are in it for themselves and are building up wealth in this world and fully self absorbed in it all. These are the ones out there pronouncing their riches for the world to see and throwing around a few things in full view of the media to be seen as somehow the picture of generous and caring, when in reality the percentage of themselves and their wealth being spread is almost indiscriminate compared to others. These are the rich Paul warns about in the above verses.

I have to look at myself and wonder where I fall in this riches conversation. I am not “rich” by monetary standards, but do feel rich in the fear of the LORD and with my family and that which is here in my immediate world. I have a church where I feel compelled to serve, even in what may seem like a role that gets little to no notoriety, breaking down the building to which we worship. Yet, I do not look to this role as minuscule, it is a vital part of the church and my service to the LORD. I may not have all the riches as one would think, yet I am rich in the LORD.

I have to continue to rely on God and the riches He provides. And “do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share”. I may not have the financial ability to share greatly, but I do have time and effort that I can share and I have to be generous. It is not the substance of the gifts, but the attitude of the gift that means something and I have to remember that I am rich, at least rich in good works.

What do you provide for others as you walk through this world? Are you looking to be the one that provides monetarily and struggle with the amount you have and or can/will give? What if you realized that God provides for you to be rich and you can share your riches of good works with the world?

Works are Conspicuous, Do Good Anyway

This morning was a simple read and work for understanding for me. I am to do good works regardless of how they look to the public.

“²⁴The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. ²⁵So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.” — 1 Timothy 5:24-25 (ESV)

Paul, writing to Timothy here indicates to him that the work that is done will be conspicuous, regardless of the true nature of the work being done. Those who sin as well as those who are doing good works. These will always fall of some the wrong way and will call into question the motives and work of those doing.

With this being known, there are two roads to follow. The one will lead to destruction as it is carrying out the work of the evil one. There may be short term wins as the evil one continues to keep you under his thumb. The reality of those being sins and leading to destruction may be immediate or they may come later once everything is brought into the light. Remembering that evil does not like the light and as long as there is darkness surrounding, all will seem to be fine.

Then there is the good works that are done. Yes, they too, according to Paul may be conspicuous as there will be plenty who will question the motives and sincerity of the works as we have been taught that if is seems to good to be true, then it probably is. Paul is instructing Timothy to do the good works anyway. The good works will be seen in the light and there is nothing to be concerned with. If/when these works are seen, they will impact someone with the love of Christ and it, “cannot remain hidden”. It is important to do the work of Christ and not apologize for the work.

My pastor is currently working through a sermon series of the book of James and covered James 4:13 – 5:6. In this passage and sermon, verse 17 stuck out and applies here to my study this morning.

“¹⁷So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” — James 4:17 (ESV)

I know what the right thing is to do, good works. I have simply to do them. I cannot be concerned with what others believe my motives to be. I can only to do the work and know that I am honoring God and continuing the plan He has for me in my life. He will make the work meaningful and touch those it was intended to touch and make the difference it was intended to make. My role is to simply move on to the next good work and allow God to use me and that work for His glory once again.

What are you doing in the world? Are you aware that regardless of the work you are doing, some will consider it conspicuous? What if you were to just do the good work and allow God to use that work for His glory and you just move on to the next good work?