“…so that the Word of God
will not be dishonored…”
(Titus 2:5)

We know that God works in our hearts through His Word. But do we realize that the way we live can impact how the Word works in the lives of others? Chapter Two of Titus tells us that our lives attract people to the Word of God or turns them away!

Three times we read how our lives impact the work of God in the lives of others:

· Word of God not be dishonored (vs 5)
· Put to shame having nothing bad to say us (vs. 8)
· Adorn the doctrine of God (vs 9)

This first instance (2:5) is how women honor (or dishonor) the Word as they respond to their husbands. When the book of Titus was written, women were usually not treated as equals to men. The preaching of the Gospel had set women free and established their value by proclaiming in Christ there is “no male nor female.” If a woman chose to let her new freedom make her self-centered and ignore her family, the people watching her would misunderstand the working of God.

Therefore, women were challenged to not let their freedom drive them to irresponsibility and a rebellious attitude….resulting in the Word of God being dishonored.

We can all (men & women) learn from this statement. We must never allow an independent spirit to cause us to demand our rights and live self-centered lives. The Word of God will be dishonored if I ignore my family and go through life acting like all of life is about me!

So, today we renew our commitment to live out the Word of God…we will love our families and live with integrity…and the Word of God will be honored and people will be attracted to Jesus!

Father,

Let Your Word work in me. Give me the desire to lay down my rights and live for the good of others… let the way I treat my family and live with character draw people to Jesus!

In Jesus’ Name, I seek You, Amen.