Saturday
Titus 3:3-11

Sometimes there are people and situations that make it difficult to live the transformed life. For the Cretans, these people were the rulers and authorities to whom they had to submit. In light of this, Paul encouraged them “to be obedient, ready to do good, to slander no one, and to show true humility toward all men.” Then Paul describes the motivation behind these actions. In essence, Paul says, “Remember where you came from.” Remember you were once “foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by passions and pleasures, were hated and hated one another.” Those without Christ can 100% be expected to act like it. For that matter, all of us acted out of our brokenness before we came to Christ.

Paul says that only because of God’s kindness and mercy shown in Christ we are saved —“not because of righteous things we had done” (3:5). The Holy Spirit washed us, renewed us; we are reborn, justified by grace, and therefore, heirs of eternal life. In light of these things, submitting to difficult people is possible.

Are there people in your life who make the transformed life difficult? Is it difficult for you to submit to authorities at home, work, or in government with whom you disagree? Remember where you came from.