Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

When my kids were younger, they would get really scared if we lost power at night during a storm. The darkness can be disorienting when there is so much turmoil happening all around. But when that happened, I would grab a flashlight and turn on the light, and my kids would scramble to be near me. My kids wanted to be near the light where they could make sense of the chaos, and they trusted me to guide them through the darkness.

The same is true with our faith. When we speak the truth and live accordingly, we can be a beacon for the Gospel even in the darkest times. Paul knew that when people live a life that honors God, they can effectively lead, influence, and encourage others in their faith. 

On Crete, some believers were still living sinful lives which was discrediting God’s Word. The Christian message of hope and transformation wasn’t compelling when its followers were living the same broken lives as the world around them. Paul was saying, “Hey, some people are damaging the faith with their words and deeds, but you, as obedient followers of Jesus, can proclaim the truth by following sound teaching.”

In Titus 2, Paul encouraged the Cretan households to live as stable families and as productive and helpful citizens which was the opposite of what was demonstrated in the typical Cretan household. Verse 10 says that we are to live this Christian lifestyle, “demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.” This chapter isn’t a list of things to do to be a good person, these are instructions on how to live a life that proves the Gospel’s compelling message of hope and new life. This way of life is only possible because of the transformative grace of God. The grace of God that saves us also instructs us to live in a new way. He made us new creatures, eager to do good works to shine a light on this gift of grace. The same grace allows us to say “no” to sin and “yes” to the love of God; it allows us to live a life for God.

To impact others, our faith can’t be lived out behind closed doors or in private communities – the Gospel must be proven out in the open by participating in the public square. When we live a life that honors God in private AND in public, He uses us to influence others. That’s what it means to live in response to the Gospel - be a light in the darkness! Live out your faith, and by example, influence others to do the same. That’s how God reached the people of Crete, and that’s how He will reach your family, friends, and neighbors too.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• As you re-read this chapter, ask God to reveal how you can be a light and do good for the sake of the Gospel.
• Pray and ask God to open your eyes to opportunities to live out your faith in the public arena.

Family Devo: Titus 2

By: Nichole McCardle

When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.  

Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset 

Head

Today, we are continuing our way through the book of Titus. Paul continues his letter to Titus, and in chapter 2, he explains how those who are Christians can say “No” to things that are not pleasing to God. Remember, in Crete, the people were hateful, disobedient, and dishonest. But, Paul explained to Titus that the people who believed in the gospel should have a different character. Their beliefs should show in the way they live their lives. This still holds true today. If you know, love, and follow Jesus, then you should stand out from those who do not know Jesus' goodness. Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age”.

Heart

The end of verse 14 explains that people who know, love, and follow Jesus are “eager to do what it good.” To have an eagerness about something means to really want to do something - like a lot! Are you eager to do what is good? Sometimes, doing the right thing is not the easiest thing. Sometimes, doing the wrong thing may seem like it’s not even that big of a deal. But, choosing to follow God and pleasing Him is always the best thing!

Hands

Choosing to do the right thing is not always easy. But, the more time we spend with Jesus, the more likely our minds will go to Him when making decisions. We can spend time with Jesus through prayer time, reading our Bible, and worshiping Him with songs. This week, make it a priority to spend time with Him each day.

Prayer: God, thank You for being so full of grace and loving me always, even though I do not always choose to do the right thing. God, help me to choose to follow You, even when it is hard. Help me to live a life that reflects Your goodness and love. Amen.