Who Or What Is Taking My Breath Away?
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Woon Kee Yang, Associate Lay Leader)
READ
Titus 2 and Psalm 96 (NKJV & NIV)
OBSERVE:
Paul taught Titus that a sound church is made up of leaders and members living in a godly manner. He encouraged Titus to teach sound doctrines and rebuke, with all authority, leaders and members who did not set good examples of themselves.
Verse 11 tells us that God’s grace, besides offering salvation to all people, demands that we move towards living righteously.
Verse 14 shows us that it was Christ in humility and obedience “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.”
APPLY:
We live in an ever-changing and complex world. How eager are we to do what is good and right, especially when the temptation to take the convenient way seems “smarter” and “faster”? Unfortunately the worldly way usually runs against the grain of our faith and likely to lead us to compromise our Christ-centered values.
Swimming against the tide and struggling against the worldly norm is tiring and challenging. However, this is our cross to bear in humility and obedience as we wait for the blessed Hope in Christ (Titus 2:13). We persevere with the knowledge that His grace is sufficient for us, and press on with confidence, in His faithfulness.
I am reminded of this encouraging verse in Isaiah 40:31, NKJV:
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
DO:
Try to slow down in this fast-moving world, breathe, and reflect on whether it is my environment or God who “takes my breath away.” Sing to the Lord a new song and let creation rejoice (Psalm 96:1), and always remember to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love and mercy endures forever.
So, let us encourage one another not just to those in church, but also extend our warmth, friendship, and hospitality to those around us outside the church and let His kingdom values shine.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for being our Lord and Saviour. Forgive us when we shy away from doing what pleases You. Help us with enduring strength, encouragement, and love to do what is good and right in Your eyes. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
