I apologize for the lack of devotional writings the past few days. I was under the impression another was writing the blog this week. I am back on it.
Most of Titus chapter 2 covered relationships and responsibilities of believers. In Titus chapter 3, Paul discussed Christian behavior in the context of government and society. The quality of our earthly citizenship should reflect the confidence we have in our heavenly citizenship! Because we are citizens of the eternal Kingdom, we can live with hope and serve people in the earthly kingdom.
In addition to teaching, encouraging, and correcting, a Christian leader must also remind his congregation to submit to the government and its officers. As the believers awaited the return of Christ and living eternally with him in his government, they had to live under worldly authorities. So Paul explained how believers in Crete could best do that—by subjecting themselves to government rulers and authorities and by obeying civil laws. He did not want any trouble with the authorities that would bring the church under suspicion.
Christians understand obedience to the government in different ways. All Christians agree that we are to live at peace with the state as long as the state allows us to live by our religious convictions. For hundreds of years, however, there have been at least three interpretations of how we are to do this:
Some Christians believe that the state is so corrupt that Christians should have as little to do with it as possible. Although they should be good citizens as long as they can do so without compromising their beliefs, they should not work for the government, vote in elections, or serve in the military. Although this fulfills the principle of abstaining from evil, it prevents the Christian from being salt and light in the governmental, political, and military systems.
Others believe that Christians have a responsibility to make the state better. They can do this politically, by electing Christian or other high-principled leaders. They can also do this morally, by serving as an influence for good in society. In this view, church and state ideally work together for the good of all. This view is preferred and seems to best portray the New Testament teaching. Nowhere does Jesus call laymen to leave political or social service as a requirement for discipleship. Its inherent danger would be for the Christian to get so involved in worldly affairs that the Christian mission is lost.
These bridge-building characteristics revealed changed lives and made the gospel message attractive to unbelievers. All Christians should check their conduct against these traits. To not speak evil of anyone meant forbidding Christians to spread evil rumors or gossip (see James 3:9). Believers were not to be caught making reports about others that would prove to be untrue. We should be like Christ, who did not retaliate when he was insulted (1 Peter 2:23).
To avoid quarreling means to be peaceable. Christians were to be known as peacemakers in their relationships and within the church. There may be disagreements, but the believers should actively avoid, not the disagreement, but quarreling about it. When disagreements degenerate into quarreling, there is little possibility of preserving peace and working toward a solution.
To be gentle and show true humility follows Christ’s example. Christians should not be agitators but conciliators. Believers could show gentleness and humility to unbelievers in their neighborhoods by offering help without strings attached. When we help unbelievers, we open a door for the gospel.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
Romans 13 is very clear on our responsibility to the governing authorities.
Romans 13:1-5 (NIV)
1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
The one who has a problem with authority has the biggest problem of all. There real problem is not with their parents or boss or teacher or coach - there real problem is with the authority of Jesus in their lives. Think about this one today.
I love you guys. Stay faithful. Stay the course.
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