Titus 2:11–15 ‘For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age’ (vv11–12)
We shoulder a responsibility to express the truth of the gospel through our lives. What better evidence is there for God’s presence as promised by Jesus than lives guided by the Holy Spirit? Christianity is not a personal and superhuman effort to be good, but we make the surprising discovery that in Christ we can find the authority to bring change to our lives.
Christianity invites us to cast aside masks of respectability and live who we were created to be by God’s grace. Through God’s gift, we enjoy a lovely, relaxed freedom to live a life that’s no longer subject to the many anxieties stirred by comparisons with others or personal shame and guilt (2 Cor 3:17–18).
I’m surprised to observe my younger self conflicted with a burning desire to win the approval of others, rather than placing my full confidence in God’s total acceptance of me as I am. I often tried to promote and prove myself, simply demonstrating how little of the gospel resided within me.
Now, confident in my call as a contemplative, with the gifts of serving and encouragement, I celebrate the joy of God’s promised freedom. His path is simple: live a godly life daily, and refuse to follow all distractions and the many temptations to self-promotion.
I have confidence that I’m known by God, and delight to see myself through God’s eyes and place my trust in His present and future provision. This is where we find rest and confidence in life, free of the insecurities projected onto us by a turbulent and uncertain world.
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Psa. 146; Luke 12:35–48; Rom. 6:15–23; Gal. 5:1–12.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: Are you able to separate your worth from your usefulness, your identity from your accomplishments and possessions?
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, may I choose to set my heart on Your kingdom first Amen.’ (Matt. 6:33)
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
