Time to stand up

Christmas eve is here, and we are ready for parties, dinners and especially the surprise of opening our gifts to see all of the gifts we received. But as the old saying goes let us remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. We know this is a corny saying but it is true. Jesus is the reason for the season. Jesus birth was a sign of change, a new thing was happening and something different was going on. From Jesus birth even as a child he changed the world. Through Jesus youth he taught and even led older church leaders in discussions and teachings of the law.

In our text today Paul is writing to Titus one of his son's in ministry telling him that the time for change is now. Despite his time in ministry, age, or experience. It was time for Titus to stand up. Brothers and sisters it is time for us to stand up this Christmas season, as we approach a new year. It's time for us as the church to make an immediate impact on the world after our rebirth like Jesus did from birth. In our text for reflection we see Paul's instruction to Titus on how to make this change happen.

Titus 2

Teach Sound Doctrine

2But as for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine. ²Tell the older men to be temperate, serious, prudent, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.

3 Likewise, tell the older women to be reverent in behaviour, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good, ⁴so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, ⁵to be self-controlled, chaste, good managers of the household, kind, being submissive to their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.

6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. ⁷Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, ⁸and sound speech that cannot be censured; then any opponent will be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us.

9 Tell slaves to be submissive to their masters and to give satisfaction in every respect; they are not to answer back, ¹⁰not to pilfer, but to show complete and perfect fidelity, so that in everything they may be an ornament to the doctrine of God our Saviour.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, ¹²training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, ¹³while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. ¹⁴He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

15 Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one look down on you.

These words should speak to our hearts and encourage us this season as we go forward in ministry. We are to speak truthfully to all men, women, and youth reminding them to be honest, respectful, and loving. We must speak to both employees and employers telling them to be submissive employees, hard workers and fair employers. Most of all we go reminding all of God's grace and love through Jesus Christ, not allowing anyone one to look down upon us.

This Christmas season remember it's not about gifts or presents but about standing up for what we believe in; standing up for the truth of Christ inviting all to come into a relationship with God. This is our calling and our mission. No matter what the day brings we must declare the good news of Jesus Christ.

To all have a merry Christmas, and a pleasant New Year make this holiday season not only be about gifts but about changing lives.

Be Well, Pastor J.