III We used to be evil but now we are good because of His mercy
A. vs 1-2 Paul reminds how the saved should act
B. vs 3-8 God saved us because of His mercy
C. vs 9-11 Warn divisive people
D. vs 12-15 Final Remarks
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
Titus 3:14
It is a privilege to work. The very act of providing for our family is God-honoring when it is done for God's glory. We show ourselves to be worthy of the grace that has been given to us when we in turn devote ourselves to doing good and living productive lives. To be faithful with the gifts He has given us, to be able to give something back to society, shows the light of Christ to the world. We have not been given the promise of Heaven to neglect the Earth, but rather the promise of Heaven motivates us to improve and contribute to the Earth.
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
I Timothy 3
III Qualifications for Church Leadership
A. vs 1-7 Qualifications for Elders
B. vs 8-13 Qualifications for Deacons and their wives
C. vs 14-16 The mystery of Godliness
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
I Timothy 3:7
Here is a good standard not just for elders, but for any christian. I have in my business had to at times make hard choices concerning how to proceed on certain jobs. I have had to not pay people who did not perform as contracted and had to bring in another team to finish jobs. I have had to tell customers that certain things fall outside the scope of work we agreed on when they are feeling otherwise. I have been in many situations that have at sometimes gotten heated, and the one thing that has always come up is "But you are a christian!" Usually this is said with the expectation that because I have invited them to church, or shared my faith, or just let them know I'm a Youth Pastor, that automatically means that I have to do whatever they want regardless of how much it costs me. I am never sure how to respond. Once they know I'm a christian, I know that I now represent Christ to them and should be a good example. On the other hand, I want to be a good business man and a good steward of what God has given me. I often find myself wondering where the line is, if sticking to my guns dishonors Christ. I know one thing for sure, every time it happens I renew my commitment to communicate clearly the expectations on every job to both the customer and the worker. I realize that it is honoring Christ in crisis situations that most honors and glorifies Him. I guess my prayer will be to know what to say in every situation so that Christ is always honored and I will have a good reputation with outsiders.
A. vs 1-7 Qualifications for Elders
B. vs 8-13 Qualifications for Deacons and their wives
C. vs 14-16 The mystery of Godliness
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
I Timothy 3:7
Here is a good standard not just for elders, but for any christian. I have in my business had to at times make hard choices concerning how to proceed on certain jobs. I have had to not pay people who did not perform as contracted and had to bring in another team to finish jobs. I have had to tell customers that certain things fall outside the scope of work we agreed on when they are feeling otherwise. I have been in many situations that have at sometimes gotten heated, and the one thing that has always come up is "But you are a christian!" Usually this is said with the expectation that because I have invited them to church, or shared my faith, or just let them know I'm a Youth Pastor, that automatically means that I have to do whatever they want regardless of how much it costs me. I am never sure how to respond. Once they know I'm a christian, I know that I now represent Christ to them and should be a good example. On the other hand, I want to be a good business man and a good steward of what God has given me. I often find myself wondering where the line is, if sticking to my guns dishonors Christ. I know one thing for sure, every time it happens I renew my commitment to communicate clearly the expectations on every job to both the customer and the worker. I realize that it is honoring Christ in crisis situations that most honors and glorifies Him. I guess my prayer will be to know what to say in every situation so that Christ is always honored and I will have a good reputation with outsiders.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
