October 20th - Reflection

Titus 1:5-16 (NRSV)
Troublemakers deny God
I left you behind in Crete for this reason, so that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you: someone who is blameless, married only once, whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious. For a bishop, as God's steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self controlled. He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.

There are also many rebellious people, idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision; they must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for sordid gain what it is not right to teach. It was one of them, their very own prophet, who said,
"Cretans are always liars, vicious brutes, lazy gluttons."

That testimony is true. For this reason rebuke them sharply, so that they may become sound in the faith, not paying attention to Jewish myths or to commandments of those who reject the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure. Their very minds and consciences are corrupted. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their actions. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Reflection
Rebuke their actions sharply. Strong words come into play in important situations. Situations that matter to the body and soul. A parent would always strongly discipline a child about to run in front of a car. We strongly rebuke because we have a love for a person that has reached a tilting point. An action can lead to consequences unwanted and unsafe in any regard. Yet if that action is stopped, a life is saved and a new life can begin.

Actions lead to the source of the faith. In our actions we show our faith. Even because we are sinful, it is a gracious gift when an error is pointed out and we stand corrected and our path is changed. This loving act comes from one who knows the importance of faith and love in Christ. This loving act comes from one who knows the rich love of Jesus and the suffering, death and resurrection; that this sister in Christ would boldly come forth in action to rebuke the actions of another sharply that has strayed. It is the time to take a stand. This has gone on throughout history in so many small ways but also in large ways that changed the course of humankind.

Prayer
Lord, make my mind, my soul, my faith strong in your will and your way. Show me those times that I need to speak softly, strongly, or to even take a stand, for the love you have shown to me. Pull me aside when I need to be pulled aside. Help me know when to be silent. And always lead me in the way you wish for me to go... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen