https://odb.org/2025/06/18/no-ordinary-people
Titus 3:1–11 (NIV): 1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. 3 At one time, we, too, were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11 You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.
In Titus 3:1-2 above Paul teaches us to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. In addition to being compliant with the law, we ought to be ready to do good, not to slander anyone, to live in peace and gentleness, and considerate with everyone.
In a way, we can sum all that up with extending courtesy and dignity to others around us, no matter their station in life. For example, to the riders and delivery boys, the Grab drivers, the general workers, to the foreign workers at the food stalls, petrol stations, and convenience stores. We mustn’t have an air of superiority just because we are redeemed by the blood of Christ or because we have more money or wealth. Instead, since we are justified by our faith and Christ has saved us, we must be careful to devote ourselves to doing good. Nothing harmful will come out of doing good, and nothing evil will arise if we extend courtesy and dignity to the underprivileged but hardworking masses around us. Especially those who are still lost and have found the faith and need to struggle through life without Christ by them.
I admit that when I’m driving, I can be less courteous and more aggressive. I can get upset if someone were to cut into my lane without warning or honked me when I’m slow off the mark. Sometimes, I become a different person on the road. It’s a weakness I need to deal with, and I know that Christ can help me.
How about you? What are your weaknesses that break your countenance vis-a-vis others? Will we be determined to deal with these character flaws of ours? In Titus 3:9-11, Paul warned against divisive people who like to dwell on foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law. Such pursuits are useless and unprofitable. There are bound to be controversies here and there. We should learn about them, but don’t spend too much time arguing about them. Instead of being divisive, focus on being courteous and giving dignity and doing good. The name of our Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified in the process.
Ronnie's Thoughts 