SCRIPTURE
“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.” Titus 3:8
SPOTLIGHT
Cars, trucks, buses and street cars were whizzing through this European city’s downtown intersection, as I noticed a very old man trying to change a tire on his car. He had pulled it over to the curb as well as he could. No one was helping him. I did not know his language. Should I offer my assistance? Quickly, I went over and began to gesture my desire, as I looked at this worn man. He allowed me to help and at the end told me in his language how grateful he was. I have no idea what he said, but he seemed very appreciative.
How good are you at doing good? Someone once said, “I expect to pass through this world but once, any good thing, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to my fellow-creatures, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it; for I shall not pass this way again.”
When Paul wrote Titus, he spoke a lot about HOW TO BE GOOD AT DOING GOOD. Take note of what he taught. To be good at doing good you must;
#1. DEVOTE YOURSELF TO GOODNESS. Reread the above Scripture text. Paul is clear. Just don’t want to do good. Commit yourself to living a life of goodness. Be devoted, passionate and consistent to this life-long goal. Paul even warns to be “careful” to be devoted. Don’t let anything distract you. Guard against selfishness sneaking into the way you live. Devotion means 100% commitment to doing good.
#2. DEVOTE YOURSELF TO LEARNING TO DO GOOD. Titus 3:14 states, “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.” Paul takes it one step further. Just don’t be devoted to goodness. Attend the School of Goodness for the rest of your life. Two times Paul told Titus to “devote” himself. In Titus 3:8, the young man was instructed to devote himself to the goal of goodness. Now in Titus 3:14, he was instructed to make goodness a life-long learning experience. Jesus does not want you to miss a day of going to the School of Goodness. In the Sermon on the Mount, He said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] Learn every day HOW TO BE GOOD AT DOING GOOD. Paul clarified in two other verses how to learn to do good:
A – Be eager to do what is good. Titus 2:14 states, “who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” All you have to do to show your eagerness to do good is to create opportunities. Make things happen. Empty the dishwasher without having to be asked. Vacuum your husband’s car. Shovel your elderly neighbor’s sidewalk and driveway.
B – Be ready to do whatever is good. Titus 3:1 states, “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.” All you have to do is anticipate opportunities every day. Look for them just like I did when I helped the old man. Will you allow a good opportunity to interrupt your schedule? When opportunity presents itself, jump at it.
#3. SET AN EXAMPLE OF GOODNESS. Paul told this young preacher in Titus 2:7a, “In everything, set them an example by doing what is good.” The world needs examples of goodness. Actors, actresses, and athletes grab the spotlight and motivate people to want glamour and fame. All that does is cause envy. Examples of goodness can motivate people to be like Jesus, who sacrificed His life to pay the price for our sin. Become a role model of doing good like Tabitha, in Acts 9:36ff.
You may now be saying to yourself that doing good is a very tall order. Maybe you think it is impossible. Paul made it clear that his goodness would not be a result of himself, but due to God’s empowerment. Doing good is not an impossible lifestyle when you are overwhelmed by God’s goodness to you. Titus 3:4-6 states, “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.” HOW TO BE GOOD AT DOING GOOD is a result of your salvation. Realize how much God’s kindness, love, and mercy have blessed you. Celebrate communion to do this. The heart of a good person is born out of the heart of God. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who went about continually doing good.
SOMETHING TO DO
#1. Receive God’s kindness, love, and mercy by confessing Jesus Christ to be your Savior and Lord.
#2. Read Tabitha’s story in Acts 9:36ff.
#3. Discuss with someone what John Wesley meant when he wrote, “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.”
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Almighty God, thank You that You are a good, good Father, Who art in heaven. Thank You for showing Your kindness, love and mercy to me. I want to be like Jesus. Fill me and empower me, to be good at doing good for Your honor and glory. AMEN.