Doing helpful things

Titus 3:1–3
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In these verses Paul deals with the conduct of believers in relation to government and society in general. Christianity should  make better citizens of people. It does not relieve them of their civic duty but rather enforces them. As citizens of the State we have obligations to government  (v.10), as well as to the citizens of the State (v. 2). The Christian’s duty is to be in subjection to rulers and authorities (v.1). They must always be ready to do something helpful “To obey” seems to denote obedience to particular commands of government, such as payment of taxes, participating  in a census etc. The only limitation upon this obedience is when it involves disobedience to God.

Paul speaks of our duties and responsibilities to citizens in general (v. 2). First, we are “to speak evil of no man.” That does not mean that we are never to talk of and expose the evils of men, for Jesus Himself did that very forcefully. What it does mean is that we are not to malign, slander or speak injuriously of others. Furthermore, we are not to be contentious. This means that we are not to pick up an occasion to fight and must abstain from being quarrelsome. Instead of having a “get even spirit” Christians need to be considerate and forbearing, not insisting on their own rights. Paul says that we need to remember what we once were without Christ and this should give us reason to be gentle and meek toward the unsaved. Sin blunts the mind, (foolish) perverts the heart and will (disobedient, going astray), stimulate carnal desires (lusts, pleasures), and encourages the growth of all forms of selfish feeling (malice, envy, hate) (v. 3).

Application

What are some of the character changes that have taken place in my life since I came to know Christ? I need to be ready to do things that are helpful.