No Comparison
Titus 2: 7 In all things you yourself must be an
example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. 8 Use sound words that cannot
be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything
bad to say about us.
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“But so and so did the same thing” was my argument in
several instances. I tried to compare my actions with those of another person,
usually when something was going wrong or when I did something “bad.” I was met
with a startling response. “But we expect more out of you.”
- I was comparing myself to other people to justify my actions.
- I was not taking responsibility for issues I was causing.
- I wanted accolades by comparison, but not consequence.
Paul had just told Titus to guide older men and women and
younger men to “live a holy life” by following sound doctrine. Then Paul turns
directly to Titus by urging him to be accountable for his actions. Whether other
people followed the advice of living a life for GOD, be responsible for your
own actions.
My Observations
- GOD wants me to live a life that is pleasing to HIM.
- GOD wants me responsible for my actions versus passively trying to control others.
- GOD wants me to admit I am a sinner and I need a Savior.
Being accountable for my own sins is eye opening. I mean, it
is easier to compare “my” good deeds to someone else who may not be doing what “I”
am. Unfortunately, GOD detests when I compare myself to someone else. JESUS used
a comparison parable when two people went to pray and one compared himself to
another saying “I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an
adulterer, like everybody else. I thank you that I am not like that tax
collector over there..”
The tax collector prayed “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” and JESUS then
said the tax collector was justified versus the Pharisee. Comparison seems to
enable a short memory for the sins and wrongs of the person. GOD wants me to
have a memory that I am forgiven so I can carry grace. I am glad GOD forgives.
Challenge
- Was the writer being harsh in the advice given?
- Have you ever been in a situation where other people were misbehaving and you had a choice to not join in?
- What did you do?
- Will you be GOD’s example even when it is extremely hard to do so and keep away from comparing your life to other people?
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