True faith, saving faith, genuine faith, healthy faith, always results in godly living. As Paul challenged Titus to confront those who were living ungodly lifestyles, he said:
“…reprove them severely that they may be sound in the faith.”

Reprove them severely: The NIV and the KJV read: “rebuke them sharply.”
The word that is translated “sharply” (apotomoôs) means “to cut off.” There is a sense of urgency and severity that it has to be removed!

Paul said this reproof and rebuke was not to be taken lightly. It was not simply a matter of preference (one person preferring one thing and another preferring something else). This was to be a sharp and serious “in your face” kind of confrontation for a specific purpose…”that they may be sound in their faith!” If we, or any other person, claim to know Christ and cling to sin and an ungodly life-style—mark it down. Soon, a sick faith will follow. Sin has to be cut off and removed or it produces infection.

Sound in their faith: The word translated “sound” comes from a word that means “well and healthy.” From this Greek word (hugiainoô) we get our word “hygiene.” Five times in the book of Titus Paul uses a form of this word and always relates it to personal righteousness and spiritual well-being.

They always go together: healthy believing produces healthy living. And, the flip-flop is also true: sick living will produce sick beliefs. Anyone allowing sin to take root in their life will soon have their sick lifestyle totally redefining their faith.

Anyone that falls into sin only has two choices:
1. call it what God calls it (sin) or
2. make up excuses and call it something else.

Once the standard of God is rejected, the only thing left to do is create a pseudo-faith. This distorted faith will keep the heart infected and the entire walk will become sick.

We want healthy faith, right? We must keep submitting our lives to the Word of God. Even if the rebuke of God’s Word seems severe, we know that we can always trust Him. He wants us to have healthy hearts. Any rebuke that comes from His Word is for our health, for our good—and for His glory!

Father,
We want healthy faith. Show us anything in our lives that hinders our walk with You. Search me O God, and know my heart. See if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in Your LIFE everlasting.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.