Simply the Christian Life

For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people. That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ will appear. He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good. (verses 11-14)

Read Titus 2:1-15

Whenever I read about successful business people or superstar athletes, I’m always impressed by their dedication and the sacrifices they make to achieve their status in life. Interestingly, if you look into the lives of business people and athletes who haven’t achieved such a high level of success, you will often find the same high standard of dedication and sacrifice.

When Paul urges us to live ‘self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world’, he isn’t asking us to become some sort of religious prude, nor is he guaranteeing that by living in this way we will become some sort of spiritual superstar. Rather, he wants us to see that this is just simply the Christian life. It’s what results from hearing the words of grace and salvation and, out of love and thanksgiving, responding in our everyday life to God’s gracious love.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the precious gift of your saving love. Strengthen my faith by your Spirit, so that I will live for you always. Amen.

Devotion written by Pastor Tom Peitsch in “Refreshment for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers, 2003)

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