Our Foolishness

            In our verses from Titus 3:1-7, quoted below, we can see that we as Christians must be reminded to follow our civil laws. We are to speak kindly, be obedient, and show meekness to all men.

            Paul is reminding us of “Our Foolishness” of time past when others helped us, remembering us in our hard times. Sometimes it occurs to me how hard my heart must have been (before I was saved), and how I refused charity when I needed it. Yet, now the problem I have is my heart may not be as soft as it ought to be.  It certainly isn’t like Jell-O, but sometimes when confronted with certain tasks, I take notice of my lack of compassion.  It isn’t that I want to lack compassion, nor is it that I don’t have compassion, it is the incident that bothers me.

            Paul wasn’t telling Titus this because he thought Titus lacked any more compassion than he had.  He was telling Titus to be on guard, and be careful concerning others.  He is also telling us to be aware and be cautious as we all have some of that “heart hardener” within us.

            The next time someone reminds you of their hard times, (before you give them an answer,) remember your hard times. Remember when Jesus Christ accepted you, wrapped His wonderful arms around that “old cold heart,” and within seconds melted all that hardness away.  Remember the man who had compassion on you, but also for the sake of your own heart, remember what you were before Jesus melted your heart.

            Paul is telling us not to be foolish in our compassion.  We all must have a caution within us that alerts us to hazardous situations.

            What is the condition of your heart?  Is it putty in others hands, or is it strong for the hand of the LORD?

Bro John R. E Chastain

Titus 3:1-7  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,  (2)  To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.  (3) For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.  (4)  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,  (5)  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  (6)  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;  (7)  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.