Win or lose, do good

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work. – Titus 3:1

When the results of presidential election are known, US citizens will either be glad or sad, depending on their political persuasion. Those who voted for the winner are likely to accept the authority of the government he establishes. Most others will submit, though grudgingly.

Christians are to go beyond mere submission to governing authorities and follow the guidelines given in the Bible. In writing to Titus, Paul said we should also be peaceable and considerate, and we should do good without slandering anyone (3:1-2).

Titus was working among believers in Crete, a place notorious for its unruly inhabitants. There were good reasons to say bad things about the people living and ruling there, but Paul warned Christians not to do it.

In fact, seven times in his short letter to Titus, Paul mentioned the importance of doing good: loving what is good (1-8), teaching what is good (2:3), doing what is good (2:7, 14; 3:1-2, 8,14).

Paul’s letter is a timely reminder that as Christians we are to do what is good for people, regardless of whether we approve of their values and agree with their policies. It may not be easy, but it’s the right thing to do. – Julie Link

From the example of Jesus,

Who went about doing good,

We are to honor our Savior

By helping wherever He would. – Hess

READ: Titus 3:1-8

Christians can be constructive if they refuse to be destructive.

The Bible in one year:

• Jeremiah 27-29

• Titus 3