DAILY BIBLE READING: Jeremiah 27, 28, 29; Titus 3
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm consistently, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men” Titus 3:8 (KJV).
No one in life wants to commit himself to unprofitable business but rather what would at the end of the day fetch good profit that is worth the efforts put into such a business. In the business world, there is periodic evaluation of the business and the workers. If a worker is found performing below expectation, after some warnings, such is usually shown the exit to prevent loss.
It is true that we are saved by grace and not of works lest anyone should boast. Yet, God who purchased our redemption through the blood of Christ needed more than mere confession of our redemption. He wants us to put this into practical operation. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesian church mentioned the main reason we were created, thus he said: “No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing” (MSG)
It is important to know as a child of God that opportunity presents itself to us every day to prove to the world the stuff we are made. No one likes to be addressed as a bastard but sadly, we have many who are parading themselves as one, yet they claim to have connection with Jesus. This Jesus engaged tirelessly in the profitable ventures among men. The account of the Scripture attests to this truth: “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” Acts 10:38 (KJV).
In His teaching, Jesus Christ encourages the disciples: “Let your light so shine before me, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” Matthew 5:16 (KJV). This is what Paul encourages Titus to affirm constantly to those who have believed in God to carefully maintain good works in the place of work, in the neighbourhood, and the society at large. The matter of profitable venture which is good work is so important that Titus was told in the previous chapter by Paul: “Show yourself in all respects to be model of good works…” Titus 2:7 (ESV). Paul wraps us the passage with this same admonition of engaging in profitable venture: “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for the necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful” Titus 3:14 (KJV).
Brothers and Sisters, you cannot do less. If the Lord modelled this by His life, the admonition is still very relevant to us today. Do not be deluded, good work is expected from you in all spheres of life. It is a profitable venture both to God and men.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your good work was seen and is still being seen all over the place; help me Lord to fill my life with good works following Your pattern in Jesus Christ name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole