One major cause of division in the body of Christ is refusing to live at peace with all people. Whenever the church is divided by factors such as racism, ethnic affiliations among many others, the church becomes a weak representation of the kingdom of God. It is very important and necessary that church leadership put everything in place to ensure that the house of God represents that oneness in Christ. As part of Paul’s letter to Titus concerning the church in Crete, Paul made it clear that the believer has to eschew disunity and be at peace with one another. Can you identify some causes of strife in the body of Christ?
to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. (Titus 3:2)
Paul was aware of the attitude of the Cretans and renegade leaders who were bent on infiltrating the godly seed that was planted in the hearts of the people. In Paul’s letter, he admonishes Titus to remind the people that they have been saved to do good and not evil. In a previous blog, we saw that Paul admonished the people to be subject to rulers and authorities in anticipation of doing what is good. Paul continued to admonish the people “to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (Titus 3:2). This advice is not just relevant to the church in Crete but even to us at the present day. It is important that we live at peace with all, even those who do not share the same faith with us. Being considerate of other people’s needs and showing gentleness is a sign of growth and maturity. Paul noted that, prior to their conversion (and to the wider Christian community), this was their state:
“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. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7)
Indeed, we have been saved by grace from all our past sins and we have been saved to do good works. Paul puts it this way: “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.” (Titus 3:8). Therefore, even as we approach each day, we should have the mindset that we have been saved to do good. Carefully consider your ways: Are you representing the kingdom of God on earth? Is goodness flowing from you to others?
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