Turned From the Truth
Titus 1:13-14 NASB
13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
I am not sure how this would work today. But Paul was telling Titus to reprove the people severely. The NLT says reprimand them sternly. The NKJ says rebuke them sharply. Of course, there was a good reason for the rebuke; Paul was concerned that the people were not being sound in the faith. They were standing on some shaky ground spiritually.
Titus was a young pastor, and historians think he was a troubleshooter for Paul. Paul left him on the island of Crete so he could set the church in order. He was tasked with choosing leaders and dealing with false teachers. I find it quite interesting that Paul listed character qualities over speaking ability. The leaders did need to have a grasp on the truth of the gospel message so that they could encourage the people and refute the false teachers.
Paul was most concerned with the believers in Crete being turned from the truth. False teachers would come in, and without strong leadership, people could be pulled away. The concern was enough to warrant a strong message of correction. Paul knew the importance of staying sound in the faith. His instructions to Titus were to reprimand the people and tell them to stop paying attention to the wrong things. Jewish myths and commandments that men came up with had the potential to turn people away from the truth.
Application
What we pay attention to has the potential to turn us toward or away from the truth. And it’s more serious than we might think. Jesus said if we continue in His word, we would know the truth and the truth would make us free. So if God’s truth can make us free, then a life not built on truth can lead to problems and bondage. For example, some people have thought that the clothes you wear could turn God away from you, and you would miss out on His blessings. Women wearing gold jewelry was a big problem. But there is no truth in that. That became a commandment of man. Not wearing jewelry is certainly minor in terms of bondage, but think about the people who believe God accepts them on the basis of their works or even the foods they eat. What we pay attention to can turn us in right or wrong directions.
This is the advantage of knowing scriptures for yourself and listening to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit when something just doesn’t sound right. Please don’t wait for me to rebuke you; I am just not that bold - yet.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your truth and the Spirit of Truth who lives in me. I choose to pay attention to Your word first. I choose to be sound in the faith.