As the issues surrounding the pandemic continue to swirl, we find ourselves enduring even more “mandates” to accommodate. The latest for most States, is the mandate, to wear a face covering or mask pretty much everywhere we go.
Despite the motives, intent, and reasoning behind such requirements, it is safe to say that it provokes hard feelings and churns strong emotions. It is easy to get mad. It is easier to stew on it and stay mad. Complaining, slandering and talking ill of our governing authorities and pastors seems to be justified and acceptable. Well, it is not.
That is exactly what the Apostle Paul taught to Titus when he assigned him to the Island of Crete. These instructions were written in a letter that we know as the New Testament book of “Titus.” This letter outlines all the instructions, rules, and regulations that Paul wanted Titus to teach and use to give direction and guidance to the Churches being established across the island of Crete.
One of those instructions came in Chapter 3:1-2 regarding governing authorities and our actions as Christians. He wrote, “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
What Paul was saying that in being “subject to” those in authority, we were voluntarily submitting to their position of leadership. It wasn’t permission to act like it was a painful and “grudging surrender,” but a willful choice of obedience because we know, as Christians, that our ultimate authority is God, Himself.
So….let’s break each word down on what Paul instructed Titus:
·
Obedient:
Greek verb implies general conformity to
the regulations of the civil authorities. It is the visible demonstration that
we have mastered the attitude of submission.
·
Ready
to do what is good: Being “ready”
indicates that we are not to be passive bystanders. We should be actively
involved in promoting things that uphold the general welfare of our city.
·
Slander:
we should never curse someone nor use
angry or demeaning words directed at or about someone. This includes refusing
to spread rumors or gossip about anyone to anyone. 1 Peter 2:23, “He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor
threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who
always judges fairly.”
·
Quarreling:
We are to be peacemakers that despite
disagreements and differences, we must not be agitators and incite arguing and
verbal fights.
·
Gentle/True
Humility: We should work to preserve
the peace and work towards equitable solutions in all issues. Looking out for
the interest of others. We resist being self-assertive or harsh when “our way”
is challenged or rejected. Everyone:
It is “true” humility when we can prove
the genuineness of Christianity by being kind, gentle and respectful to those
who are hostile, perverse, and degrading towards us.
APPLICATION: We must be prepared and willing to live peacefully under the laws and leadership of our governing authorities. We have many categories. This includes not only the local Church and her governing Denomination, but Federal, State, County, and City authorities, ordinances, laws and regulations as well.
As Christians, we choose to obey and live peacefully under the law,
rules, and regulations that promote healthy and safe communities. We also
participate in activities that promote the welfare of the community we live and
the ministries and outreach of the church where we are members.
Christians must not turn their backs, stand coldly indifferent, or
withdraw from “praiseworthy enterprises” of government and church, but show
good public spirit, thus proving by tangible and visible means that
Christianity is a constructive force in society.
So, Paul was
teaching Titus that the most “visible demonstration” of Christianity, God’s
love and the reality of Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, was for
Christians to be holy, godly and upstanding people within their Church and
Communities.
What does that
look like today? We respect those in authority over us whether that is in our
family, church, town, county, state or Federal levels of government. We pray
for them daily and often. We uphold and obey the laws that govern us so that we
have a safe, peaceful and healthy community and Church family.
We abide by
those things that promote such a Church and community. Yes, that can mean
wearing that mask! It also means we pay our taxes and obey even the smaller
laws such as speed limits, road signs, and city ordinances. We also obey our church
denominational leaders and pastors, deacons, bishops and teachers.
It also means that
we resist the urge to criticize, mock and say ugly things about all leaders
such as the President, our Governors, Senators, Mayors and Church Pastors. We
continue to do these things and go about living our lives in a loving and
visible example of Jesus Christ. That is exactly what Paul told Titus!
Just remember….Romans 13:1-5, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.”