April 29, 2004

Fully Integrated Life:
“…entrusted with God’s work…
not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain…”
(Titus 1:7)

Yesterday we began looking at three qualities that have to deal with “Control.”  We started by looking at not being controlled by wine, so let’s look at the next two today.

NOT PUGNACIOUS
This literally means don’t be a “fist-fighter.”  At the time of Paul’s letter it was not uncommon for men to settle disputes by fighting with one another, throwing stones, or using rods to beat one another.

Paul exhorts Titus not to be controlled by anger which leads to settling disputes in an unbiblical manner.

In our culture and society, we do it another way.  We often “beat” each other with our words and with our actions.  But listen to what it says in Proverbs.

• “He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.”  Proverbs 14:29
• “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, thank he who captures a city.”  Proverbs 16:32

There is a right way to deal with anger and disappointment but it is not beating each other up mentally or physically.

NOT FOND OF SORDID GAIN
Paul also goes on to teach Titus that a person of influence should not be consumed with financial prosperity at whatever cost.

A great example of this is found in the book of Joshua and the sin of Achan (chapter 7).  When the Israelites conquered Jericho the Lord told them specifically not to keep anything for themselves and all the valuables were to go to the treasury of the Lord.

We read in Joshua 7:21 that Achan coveted the valuables and kept them for himself.  As a result of his disobedience, he and his entire family lost their lives.

It is so easy for us to be consumed and controlled by material possessions.  Our God is a jealous God and desires for us to be whole heartedly devoted to Him and not consumed by material gain.

Are “anger” and “materialism” controlling you today?

Heavenly Father,
You have called us to be in the world but not of the world.  So, Lord as we walk with You, step by step, guard our hearts so that we are not controlled by anger and materialism. 
Give us clean hands and give us pure hearts.
In Jesus Name, Amen.