Titus 1:1-3
Paul is one consistent guy, particularly when it comes to how he corresponds in writing. So when I start reading one of Paul's letters (like Titus today), sometimes I'm tempted to speed read through those first introductory verses so I can move on to what I perceive to be the more important stuff. (Ever feel this way?) Well, when I (we) do that, we're really shortchanging ourselves.
In Titus 1:1-3 Paul essentially describes himself and how he sees his role as a Christ-follower. It's really quite a rich description. And as I slowed down and considered what Paul was saying, it got me thinking about my own role as a "servant of God."
Ok, now it's your turn. How do you see your role as a servant of God and follower of Christ? What does that look like in your day-to-day life? Tami W.
Living as a servant and follower of Christ is difficult. Not like being a rocket scientist is difficult. It's difficult in the sense that it is a battle of wills: my self-centered will vs the will of God in my life.
Those around me should see me as a broken, imperfect human who has a desire to allow the perfect God to live through him. I know I will fail a lot, but hopefully I will fail less often as time goes by.
What it looks like for me is beginning my day with prayer and devotions. Then asking God to use me where He sees fit. That is where variety comes in. I never know who will need encouragement, or if I am just to continue living according to His Word. People observe us, whether we know it or not. If I am wrong - I need to admit it and ask forgiveness - and move on. day bathed in prayer leads to less pulling out of my hair!
It's a privilege to be a servant of Christ. Our Lord Himself came not to be served, but to serve. As with Paul, he was there to serve the body of Christ and serve the unsaved as well. I guess that should sum up a servant attitude we all need. And after we serve; it's always good and important for us to remember that we are unprofitable servants, only doing our duty!
I think your point is super...and also...I think often Paul in his introduction...shows us the LOVE and compassion that he has for us...So as an apostle...we can feel that Love and Compassion and Mercy....which in reality is the character of GOD the father...But as flesshy beings...we can understand it better flesh to flesh...us to Paul...but at some point we need to see it spirit to spirit...and see ABBA in His words and tenderness that often begin Pauls letters...
May GOD bless you and your ministry richly...
As a servant of the Lord, I am to first and foremost be OBEDIENT. Not try to 'please' God with works but obey His every command- read the bible, pray, listen to His voice. My act of service is not only listening to His command but following out His every command (even the perceived 'hard' ones!)
For my daily life, this passage reminds me of my responsibility- spread the message of God. We, like Paul, are ambassadors of Jesus Christ. His Word lives in us and we are a beacon to the lost of this world. If we don't drink in the Word, how can we be entrusted with other blessings/gifts our Father wants to bestow on us? When we walk in accordance with Him and listen to the Holy Spirit, we are 'walking in the command of God our Savior' (NIV vs. 3). Daily we can walk with Christ and share His wondrous love with the world- our lives should be an example of His grace and mercy for us. Keeping His Word on our heart and lips and praying to Him daily is key.
I was thinking recently, that there are roles we're called to live out as a people of God, for example: giving Glory to him, and serving him, and his people (our brothers and sisters). And then there are specific roles designated to us as individuals. As an individual, so far God has revealed to me that I am a scribe. (He has gifted me to translate the writings of my pastors from Spanish to English to reach a greater population). I need to consider all that that entails so that I can take more seriously what he's placed in my hands. God bless you all!
It has been said "The Bible is the only book God wrote". I feel it is the only book worth reading. But I really appreciate all the commentaries I've read and the speakers who enlighten us in the WORD. It IS hard to get through the convicting parts. But I must confess my sins to be forgiven so I can move on. It is the 'moving on' part that I struggle with. I NEED to be more positive. I NEED to think more on things that are true right noble pure lovely admirable excellent and praiseworthy. But that is hard for a negative person like me. I NEED to recall Scriptures likely can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me; The Fruits of the Spirit of love joy peace patience kindness goodness gentleness faithfulness self control and put on the full Armor of God, the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness the shoes of the gospel of peace the shield of faith the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit. Even Paul said "I NEED PRAYER"! I confess I'm unworthy but I thank God for my life. I give to Him all I am. I will overcome because of JESUS in me.I NEED the WORD in me. I can pray even if I don't feel close to Him. Please Lord save my family.
Thank you Jessica I to agree with you on obedients. I have been struggling with being obedient. I think if we are obedient then the works will come and they will not be just tierless works they will be fuitful.I don't think that God wants us runing around busy as bees and becoming tired in our work.He wants us to be pactiant and listen to what HE leads us to do.. If works are done with his leading and his word then it will not come back void..There will be fruits from the labor....We must first be OBEDIENT and all the rest will come in Gods time!!!!
God Bless
Thanks for all your great comments. I was thinking about the situation at work. I have to remind myself from time-to-time that I work for God- not my earthly employeer. This helps me have a more humble and servant-like attitude.
In my day to day life, my role as a Servant of the Mighty God, I am strengthened through His word. I am working diligently to change my habits of study to ensure that each moment with His Word, I learn something from it. In my work life, I am surrounded by many who either don't believe or don't follow His word. It is difficult, but I am Servant and a Soldier for the Lord, so I take my bumps along the way and continue to follow Him!
My role as a servant of God and follower of Christ is to keep reading His Word, apply it to my life and just follow Christ's lead. Follow the commission that He gave to His disciples "go ye ito the world and preach the gospel to every creature" Mark 16:15 KJV. We all can't be teachers, evangelists, priests etc. but we can do our part by visiting the house-bound persons, the prisons, the hospitals, the schools and orphanage for example. We can pray for, and call up persons whom we have not seen for awhile or work along with church or community based programmes/projects. When we do these small things with love and humility we serve God and Jesus. We should also thank Him for giving us the opportunity, the strength and health to be able to do these things.
My role as servant....to encourage the faithful, to speak the truth, to share the gift of eternal life--to love as Jesus loved. Sounds good in theory and perhaps even admirable....not always so easy to follow....to search out the opportunities to share the gift of eternal life, I mean. Ever so much easier to encourage the faithful, though!!!! But what is one without the other????
Less of me and more of Him is easy to say but yet so difficult for me to do. As a servant of Christ in my daily life at work I often feel like a blacksheep. Alot of the time it means not being engaged in the conversations which surround sex, drinking or bad mouthing the company. I try to bring an attitude of gratitude to work in hope of being a light in the dark. It also means doing my job well without complaining and to the best of my ability. Also being very mindful of any oppurtunities to share my faith if the situation presents itself.