Scripture
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Titus 3:9-15 ESV
Titus 3:9-15 ESV
Gospel Reflection
What vision do you have for your life? Is this a holy vision unto the Lord? In Titus chapter 3, Paul reiterates his vision for Titus to be set apart in the midst of a pagan culture, holding firm to sound doctrine, and being devoted to good works for the sake of his witness to Christ. It is interesting, whenever we are pursuing a vision, along the way out of nowhere comes a distraction. Spiritually speaking, one of Satan’s main tactics is to distract us and get us consumed in controversies, because it slows us down from accomplishing our vision. It is no wonder Paul closes with this reminder to Titus to “avoid foolish controversies…for they are unprofitable and worthless” (Titus 3:9).
Last year when I was running the Bentonville Half Marathon, around mile ten, I remember looking out ahead and there was not only a massive water hole on the course that couldn't be avoided, but there were a couple runners who slowed down to figure out their course of action. Being distracted by this, I had to make a split second decision to either join in on contemplating what my next step would be or I would stick to the course and blaze ahead, no matter how deep this water hole would be. Thankfully I ignored their hesitancy, and stayed the course. What actually seemed like an obstacle that could inundate my shoes and legs in water, actually was only an inch or two deep of water. My perception initially was distracted from what could be an obstacle, but the reality was that it was just par for the course.
This is what the enemy does. He tries to get us to perceive something is wrong that we need to drop everything and respond to immediately. He knows that if he can distract us, we become unfruitful. Distractions don't bear fruit. That is why in verse fourteen, Paul encourages Titus to “be devoted to good works” (Titus 3:14), because our vision and attention can then respond accordingly to urgent needs that do arise that God wants us to be a part of. But we cannot be ready to respond if we are distracted.
In this season of Lent, consider what your current distractions are. Sometimes we are unaware of our distractions because we don’t even have a vision. Ask God to give you a holy ambitious vision for your life. Maybe after clarity is given around that, you will begin to notice the distractions that fight for your attention.
A mission and vision keep us fruitful. Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). Let us reflect on what our yes is to Jesus so that we know the things that we should be saying no to in our lives!
Last year when I was running the Bentonville Half Marathon, around mile ten, I remember looking out ahead and there was not only a massive water hole on the course that couldn't be avoided, but there were a couple runners who slowed down to figure out their course of action. Being distracted by this, I had to make a split second decision to either join in on contemplating what my next step would be or I would stick to the course and blaze ahead, no matter how deep this water hole would be. Thankfully I ignored their hesitancy, and stayed the course. What actually seemed like an obstacle that could inundate my shoes and legs in water, actually was only an inch or two deep of water. My perception initially was distracted from what could be an obstacle, but the reality was that it was just par for the course.
This is what the enemy does. He tries to get us to perceive something is wrong that we need to drop everything and respond to immediately. He knows that if he can distract us, we become unfruitful. Distractions don't bear fruit. That is why in verse fourteen, Paul encourages Titus to “be devoted to good works” (Titus 3:14), because our vision and attention can then respond accordingly to urgent needs that do arise that God wants us to be a part of. But we cannot be ready to respond if we are distracted.
In this season of Lent, consider what your current distractions are. Sometimes we are unaware of our distractions because we don’t even have a vision. Ask God to give you a holy ambitious vision for your life. Maybe after clarity is given around that, you will begin to notice the distractions that fight for your attention.
A mission and vision keep us fruitful. Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18). Let us reflect on what our yes is to Jesus so that we know the things that we should be saying no to in our lives!
Practice of the week
A Practice to Love God: Practice worshiping God.
Each day this week, take time to worship God. This could look like turning on worship music in the car, having a time of worship as a family in the morning or before bed, or getting on your knees in humble surrenderance playing several worship songs to pour out your devotion to the Lord.
Consider journaling your time and reflection from worshiping.
A Practice to Love Neighbor: One act of generosity.
Whether it's paying it forward, giving to someone in need, cooking a meal for a family, or taking a friend to lunch, consider one act of generosity that God is leading you towards this week, even if it seems radical.
Each day this week, take time to worship God. This could look like turning on worship music in the car, having a time of worship as a family in the morning or before bed, or getting on your knees in humble surrenderance playing several worship songs to pour out your devotion to the Lord.
Consider journaling your time and reflection from worshiping.
A Practice to Love Neighbor: One act of generosity.
Whether it's paying it forward, giving to someone in need, cooking a meal for a family, or taking a friend to lunch, consider one act of generosity that God is leading you towards this week, even if it seems radical.
Community Prompt
Ask: “What fruit has God been forming in you during this Lenten season? How might that fruit be meant not just for you, but for the good of this community?”
Is there anyone in your life you need to reconcile with or ask for forgiveness from this week?
Gather with other believers to worship together once this week!
Is there anyone in your life you need to reconcile with or ask for forgiveness from this week?
Gather with other believers to worship together once this week!
Prayer
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Father, give us a holy vision rooted in Your truth, as You call us to be focused and fruitful in a distracted world. Guard our hearts from foolish controversies and anything that pulls us away from the good works You’ve prepared for us. Help us to fix our eyes on You, staying the course with faith and courage when distractions arise. Form in us a devotion to what truly matters, so that our lives bear lasting fruit for Your glory. Teach us to say yes to You, and no to all that competes for our attention. Amen.
Father, give us a holy vision rooted in Your truth, as You call us to be focused and fruitful in a distracted world. Guard our hearts from foolish controversies and anything that pulls us away from the good works You’ve prepared for us. Help us to fix our eyes on You, staying the course with faith and courage when distractions arise. Form in us a devotion to what truly matters, so that our lives bear lasting fruit for Your glory. Teach us to say yes to You, and no to all that competes for our attention. Amen.