TITUS 2:7-8
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
TO PONDER
One of the things that makes me most frustrated as a Christian, is when I see other Christians behaving badly. Part of me thinks that if you are going to put a 'Jesus fish' bumper sticker on your car, then you really should be prepared to act like Jesus behind the wheel. If you participate online in 'christian' forums and social media debates, then your words had better sound like Jesus and show his love and compassion rather than joining in with the judgemental attitudes that are usually presented in such places.
That kind of bad behaviour, and others like it, really get me fired up because it actually gives people reasons to dismiss and distrust Christians as hypocrites, people who say or believe one thing, but behave another way entirely.
Jesus also had a problem with hypocrites and it might not surprise you to know that most of the people he labelled hypoccrites were those who held positions of authority within the Jewish faith; the Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes and Teacher of the Law.
I think Paul, writing this letter to Titus, has sound advice still for us today. Don't let your behaviour discredit Jesus and those who follow him. If you are going to talk the talk, you also need to walk the walk, or no one will believe a word you say. However, when our words and actions match up with each other, then those who want to oppose us will be the ones finding they don't really have a leg to stand on.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you came down from heaven and not only taught us about the kingdom of heaven, but you showed it to us in the way you lived and died for others. Please help my life to match up with what I say and believe, so that I can be a credible witness to your work in my life. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle