After concluding a continued
effort for Titus to speak, exhort and rebuke with all authority those
whom he oversees in the church at Crete, Paul now directs Titus'
attention toward the way people should be toward governing
authorities. He wrote in chapter three and verse one:
Put them in mind to be
subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be
ready to every good work,
First we
notice Paul's exhortation to “Put them in mind” which
means to bring to their remembrance, admonish, and remind them. So
often people tend to forget certain principles, and a good reminder
is always welcome when it concerns the doctrine of God. We too
benefit when we are reminded to keep certain attitudes about us as we
walk among others in the world. This is why hearing certain portions
of the scripture taught over and over again becomes a good venue for
us rather than a redundant boring one.
Paul
says, “to be subject to principalities and powers”.
Principalities and powers are those who govern over people. They are
leaders such as Governors, Mayors, Congressmen, Senators, Presidents
and judges. These leaders are put in place by God as Paul wrote to
the Romans in chapter thirteen and verses one through four:
Let every soul be
subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the
powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resists the
power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall
receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good
works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power? do
that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same: For he is
the minister of God to thee for good. But if you do that which is
evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the
minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that does
evil.
It is God who sets up governments and
tears them down. It is God who ultimately chooses who will be the
leaders, and those within the church are to be subject to them. The
only exception the Bible gives for not being in subjection is when
the government goes directly against the principles of God which are
given in the Bible. Otherwise, even though the Christians may not
like what the government is doing, they are to be subject to it's
leaders.
Next Paul addresses the judges, “to
obey magistrates”. The idea is to obey the laws that leaders
ordain. Again, we must keep in mind that Paul is addressing bringing
reproach upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although some of the laws
and rules may not be enjoyable or delightful, Christians were and are
to obey them unless they are against the laws of God.
Finally Paul challenges Titus to have
the members, “to be ready to every good work.” In
other words, they should be ready in their jobs, occupations or any
enterprise which they undertake to do. It matters very little what
the task is, but whatever it is should be done with a strong work
ethic and principled standard. They should not be lazy,
lackadaisical, or apathetic, but should rather be hearty workers who
work as unto the Lord and not as unto men.
Do we
feel challenged today? How are we when it comes to our government and
it's leaders? Are we obedient to the leaders and laws given to us? Do
we work with all diligence at any task we are attempting? Again we
must call upon the Lord for His helpful reminders to keep us aligned
with a good witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. People are
watching us, and the way we respond to authorities and directives may
be the only pages of the scriptures that some will ever see.
Next
time we will continue looking at Paul's instructions to Titus in the
area of dealing with others, so read ahead, and we shall join
together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites,
www.amazon.com
; www.barnesandnobles.com
; download
to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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