For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. Titus 3:3 WEB
Most scholars think that the apostle Paul wrote Titus in the time between his two letters to Timothy. Titus was an early missionary and Christian church leader. It is believed that Titus was a Gentile who converted to Christianity due to the preaching of Paul. A person of Greek descent, Titus studied philosophy and poetry and lived on Crete, the largest of the Greek islands.
The first and second verses of Paul’s letter to Titus give instructions to remind the church how they should behave as Christians. Paul writes in Titus 3:1-2, “Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. WEB”
Paul then sharply contrasts his opening command with a reminder of how we lived before placing our faith in Jesus. The apostle writes to Titus, “we were once foolish.” He follows with six other negative traits that characterize the former lives of the redeemed.
The Transformative Power of God
It is encouraging to think of the transformative power of our faith in God. Rather than remaining foolish, we receive wisdom and sensibility from the Lord. Although rebellious by nature, we learn the value of living in obedience to the word and will of God.
Once deceived and enslaved by various lusts and pleasures, we turned to God in preparation for the good work he intends for us to accomplish for his glory. In place of hateful lives of malice and envy, the Spirit of God through faith in Jesus Christ inspires us to gentle acts of love and kindness.
In spite of the fact that we were once foolish, our pride is replaced by a new humble nature as we follow the example of Christ and his faithful in service of the one true God. We overcome our foolish selves through the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you that although we were once foolish, you called sinners to repentance. Thank you for forgiving my sins. Prepare me for success in serving your purpose. Help me to live the life of loving service that you intend for me. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Lights in the World
