One of my favorite Mark Twain quotes is; Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example. But as we all know, it takes a lifetime to build a good reputation that can be lost in a single foolish action.
The first two centuries of Christianity were defined by the radically transformed lives of Christians. Their example was an incredibly strong testimony to the transforming power of Christ . We have letters from Roman officials where they remark on how Christians took care of their own needs as well as those within the communities in which they met. They marveled how believers could not be coerced into denying Jesus – even if it cost them their lives.
However, as time went by the powerful example of genuine transformation began to deteriorate.
The 19th century German philosopher, Heinrich Heine, said: “Show me your redeemed life, and I
might be inclined to believe in your Redeemer.” and Mahatma Gandhi is often quoted as saying, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
As we continue our study in the book of Titus we will explore Paul’s direction for younger people as well as those who found themselves bond-servants to another. Paul challenges Titus to build disciples that bring glory to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the way they live while reproducing those attitudes in the hearts of those to follow.
