May the mumbling commence!
The Christian life calls for change. This simple fact cannot be avoided. Every day is a day to seek change so that we may become more and more like Christ Jesus. Please note that it is NOT just change for change sake. Read from Titus chapter three.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. (Verses 3-11)
First off, we need to remember where we come from – not because where we come from defines us now but because where we came from will help us to be compassionate with people who are mired in the things we once found ourselves caught in.
There are things we need to be sure that we leave behind – foolishness, disobedience and slavery to our passions and pleasures. Instead we must pick up a transformed wisdom from the Word of God that results in complete obedience and slavery to the greatest Master possible, the Lord.
To accomplish this feat, we must seek deep change of attitude – no more malice or envy or hatred. These things are covered with the grace, mercy and love of Christ Jesus. And, in imitation of Christ, let’s pick up grace and mercy and love of the people around us. These things are excellent and profitable, indeed!
Yet the church is made up of fallen humans. There will be conflict. What will we do about the controversies of our day – human sexuality, abortion, divorce, women leadership, and asset management to name a few? Paul tells Titus to avoid the foolish controversies. How do we tell which are foolish and which are not? Read the Scriptures through the lens of Christ with a Christian community.
Too often issues drive us apart. I am convinced that Satan laughs triumphantly when we are divided. He pumps his fist in celebration.
We must not allow disagreements to drive us apart. How do we stop these controversies from wedging us apart? Paul tells Titus to warn a divisive person twice. If the person does not respond, separate from the person. I wish some of the divisive issues of our day could be whittled down to a few people causing division. It does not seem so clear cut.
I propose that is why we remember our past (and current) sins. It helps us to treat others with the kindness and love of God. It helps us to extend the same mercy and grace that God first gave us to the people around us. We are simply beggars who tell other beggars where to get mercy and grace and salvation. And we walk together in our fallen and broken bodies and spirits to be transformed together into the image of Christ.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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