GOSPEL GARNISH
TITUS 2:6-10
TITUS 2:6-10 NKJ
6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
OBSERVATION:
As a pastor of a fairly large church, it is not uncommon for me to be recognized when I go out in public. And because of that, I am conscious of how I look and, more importantly, how I act. Notice I did not say I was perfect because that would include my driving, but I am aware.
Why is that even important? Should my public persona even matter? The answer is yes, and it's important because I represent The Ark Church. This is one advantage or disadvantage of being on staff at a church, a constant awareness of how I present outside the church.
In his letter to Titus, Paul is once again addressing the subject of the behavior of the believers. He talks about older men and women. Younger men and women and how Titus himself is to act.
We can't ignore this call to character. It includes everyone, not just preachers and church leaders. Paul's charge, really we could say, God's charge, even includes the bondservants. And in the charge to these servants is a very poignant phrase. That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Think of how powerful that is. The fact that slaves could, by their conduct, actually make the teachings about God look good. The word adorn means to garnish, decorate, to honor, and dignify.
APPLICATION:
We must lose the celebrity culture that has become a part of the big "C" Church. And realize that each of us has a part in adorning, garnishing, honoring, and dignifying the gospel of God.
Each of us is a representative of God's Kingdom and an ambassador for Christ. Each of us has an impact for the Kingdom of God. So, the call to adorn the teachings about God belongs to all of us.
Yes, I should be conscious of representing The Ark Church. But I should be even more aware that I am representing the Lord Jesus and God's Kingdom.
I detest when the media mocks my Lord. But I should detest it even more, when I don't represent Him well.
Thank God there is mercy and growth. And we all have the capacity to garnish the gospel.
PRAYER:
Lord help me to live in such a way that I make You and the gospel look good. You have done so much for me it’s the least I can do for You!