A Time to Stand Strong

" For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ,..." (Titus 2:11-13)

I don't like to wait. It seems the faster the pace of our lives the less we like to wait for anything. We don't like to wait to see our doctor, nor do we tolerate slow service in a restaurant. Even our vacations are stressful as we pack as many events as we can into them. "Rush here, hurry there" is our new standard of living and the result is a stressed out, overworked, exhausted society that is miserable and hopelessly frustrated. Even we Christians have joined the rushing masses, many of us losing sight for whom we are called to wait.

God tells us, while we are waiting for Christ's glorious return we are to "live self-controlled upright and godly lives." We are to "patiently" wait while saying "'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions," because the grace of God has brought us salvation.

Paul says God's grace has "appeared to all men," but only some men have received that grace. I believe God is having us wait for Jesus' glorious return so that those around us can see how His grace has changed our lives to the point we are no longer effected by "worldly passions." If we can wait patiently throughout the turmoil around us, how many souls will be won? If we are examples of God's saving grace living self-controlled lives in the midst of financial crisis and fears of terrorism, we are bound to draw the attention of the unsaved around us. But, if we lose heart and grow impatient we will lose the opportunity God has provided to witness to our neighbors and friends. God has ordained a "valley" for us to walk through so that can show the world the power of Christ in us!

Jesus died "to redeem us from all wickedness" and "to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (Titus 2:14) Paul recognizes two different conditions of people:

1. Redeemed People - That is us!
2. "Unpurified" people who are eager to do what is good.

If the "unpurified people" can't see the good in us (the redeemed), how can they see Christ? We are the only example they have and the means by which they will come to know Jesus.

Now is the time to Christians (you and me) to slow down, be patient and be living examples of Christ. The world is watching while we wait patiently for His return.

My prayer. Father, thank you for purifying me through the blood of your Son. Give me the strength of character to say "No" to ungodliness so that I may be an example of "Christlikeness" to the unsaved around me. Help me to wait patiently and obediently for your return, through the intercession of Jesus Christ in whose mighty name I pray! Amen!