I’m a homebody. One of the big differences between my wife and I is that I love to stay home and my wife likes to be out and about. I enjoy going out from time-to-time, but when we do, I’d prefer for it to be low-key and quiet.
One of my favorite passages in the New Testament is from Titus. Not only does it sum up the gospel, but it also reminds me that we’re not supposed to be living extravagantly and lavishly.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. –Titus 2:11.
This is Jesus’ first coming.
Instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age. –Titus 2:12.
There is the great struggle for all of us. It’s so easy to get caught up in all that this world has to offer, especially as it relates to money and wealth. This is especially true for me as I’m looking to start a new career in the very near future.
One of the jobs I applied for pays an amount that I still can’t quite imagine. It’s more than I’ve ever made in my working life until now. It’s completely in God’s hands right now as I’m still waiting to get a response to my résumé. But that’s just the thing: do I even want that job?
There is the one voice that says: “You’ve worked hard for 20 years getting your skill set to where it is, you deserve a job like that and moreover, you can totally do that job!”
But then there is the other side to that that says: “If you make that amount of money, will you still remember to put your trust in God or will you trust in monetary riches?” I don’t want to get to a point to where I look back on the first half of 2009 and say: “Man, I miss those days. I completely relied on God for everything in my life . . . back then.” No!
Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. –Titus 2:13-14.
This is what I need to be completely focused on: the blessed hope of Jesus’ return! This is why I want to live sensibly, righteously and godly. This is why I want to live the quiet life. My Savior is coming back for me. My Savior gave Himself for me not so that I would live in wealthy excesses and exorbitant spending. He wants me as His possession so that I will be zealous for good deeds.
Come, Lord Jesus!
May He Increase!
