Thoughts on Titus 3:1-2

This past Sunday our class was reading from Titus 3;

1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

Of course, just as this verse points to, we began to discuss our view of government, authorities, and politics. We began to talk about a believer's role regarding these matters and when we are to stand up, step forward and declare that "enough is enough".

In light of this, I considered this passage from Titus, Verse 2 specifically struck me, especially the words "slander", "peaceable", and "considerate".

First Paul writes that a believer is to slander no one. This speaks of our leaders and those in authority, but also of our family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors - everyone! This means no gossip, no ill talk, no lies - nothing - no slander.

But then Paul writes that we are to be peaceable. Yet this isn't always easy. There are things that really seem to get my blood boiling and things that upset me and make me downright angry. Is Paul stating that we truest need to be peaceable at all times? Weren't there times when Jesus wasn't peaceable? And, aren't there things in our culture that we are to stand for and to stand against? As believers aren't we called to speak for the rights of the oppressed and persecuted? Aren't we called to preach the Word, be salt in the world, and to be a light for the world? So, how can we do all of this and still be peaceable at all times?

See, that's where the third word comes in; "considerate". There will be things that strike us, upset us, or even upset us. And these are the moments that we must remember to be considerate. As believers we must step back, even remove ourselves from the situation for a time, to evaluate and consider the larger picture. Ask; "Am I angry because this inconveniences me or causes me some sort of personal difficulty?" or "Am I angry because this us something that God's Word speaks against and breaks His Heart?"

If your angry stems from a personal inconvenience than peaceable you must be! Pray for it and it will come. But, if yourconcerned based on an attack on God's will and His way, you must stand against the matter and peace may not be the answer. Yet here is where Paul's final statement cones in; "always to be gentle toward everyone".

Whatever the case, in peace or in conflict, we are called to be gentle. As believers we are called to be hard on sin but not harsh toward sinners.

Politics Today

Yesterday I got into a discussion about politics with a couple other people at church. I try my best to avoid any sort of political discussion at church, but this one was friendly and purely motivated.

The question was raised as to why it seems that this year do many people seem to be into the election and politics in general. And it does seem to be true, even those who are not typically involved or interested in politics are wrapped up in them now, staying educated and informed.

But why? What's the big deal? I believe the reason is that the stakes are so high. There is so much to be gained and do much to be lost in this next election that suddenly everyone feels an urgency to get involved and to make sure their voice is heard.

Not only are the stakes high for us today, the stakes are high for our children, grandchildren, and for our entire nation. Therefore, we must have our vote, our opinion, and our voices heard loud and clear. We must vote!