Actions are more important than words - 18 January 2018
Neville Turley
“In all things you yourself must be an example of good behaviour. Be sincere and serious in your teaching.” Titus 2:7 (GNT)
This letter of Paul was written to Titus whom Paul regarded as a true son in the faith they shared. Together they had begun the ministry in Crete. When Paul left to continue with his missionary travels, he left Titus to pastor the church. Titus was an ideal pastor and one whom Paul felt he could entrust with the difficult mission among the Cretans.
In our verse for today Paul charges Titus to be a role model. He tells Titus everyone in the church should also be role models.
No one according to Paul is too young, too old or too unimportant to be a role model. He even challenged the slaves of Titus day to show by their conduct that they were good and faithful to God in all they did.
What does being a role model actually entail? It means leading a life that people find so attractive they want that lifestyle for themselves.
There can be no finer way to promote the Christian faith. he words of a Christian testimony are important, but far more important is to effectively live out a life based on the values of Christ the Lord.
Telling others to do what we say, not what we do, is not an option for a Christian. Instead we must lead lives that will motivate others to copy us, and in so doing meet the Saviour.
Prayer: Heavenly Father may the light of your Gospel shine through the world. Grant that we may both by our words and in our actions bear witness to your heavenly grace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen