It’s nice to receive a random act of kindness. My neighbor, whose yard borders mine, made a few extra passes with his mower across our property line last week. I discovered his act when I mowed my yard the next day. I enjoyed the lighter load on a hot day. Random acts of kindness are great, but Paul encouraged more from those who follow Jesus.

In a letter to Titus, a young pastor, Paul reminded him to spotlight the rebirth and renewal found only through Jesus. Then Paul added:

I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Jesus followers are saved in order to do good. Not just to be good, or to critique the lack of goodness in others. But to be careful to devote themselves to doing good. Careful brings to mind thoughtfulness, planned actions leading to good outcomes. Putting shoe leather to ideas of how to help. Devote implies a commitment. Doing good costs us something, like giving up free hours or handing over extra money. A devoted person does so regularly.

Paul sees thoughtful, committed service as the outcome of faith in Jesus Christ. God’s grace in our life boomerangs back into the lives of others. This way of living remains excellent and profitable for everyone. It serves the Lord, the believer, and the beneficiaries of our good works. Or as a famous office manager once said, it creates a win-win-win situation.

Titus 3 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Elianna Gill