S) "Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful."
Titus 3:14 (NASB)
O) When Paul is referring to "our people," he means Christians. In the previous verse, he instructs Titus to help Zenas and Apollos in their ministry. So, in this verse Paul drives home the purpose of good works. It is not about earning salvation, or making God love us, but it is about furthering the gospel. We do good works to meet pressing needs, because that is the gospel in action to glorify Christ and increase His kingdom. It's also noteworthy, that he said, "pressing needs," because it reminds us to prioritize our good deeds. Sometimes, it takes discernment and wisdom to carefully determine what ministries need help the most, or which will be most fruitful with our immediate support.
A) Prayerful consideration should be my first step in every decision. There are times when I want to be part of every ministry. I want to support every missionary and volunteer for every ministry. But there is only so much time and money I can give. Also, I can never neglect my own wife and family, who should always be my first priority in terms of mission (my kids' salvation) and my ministry (to all of them). So, I need to be mindful of which are pressing needs. I need to always be willing to work for the gospel. I need to pray for direction.
P) Father, I'm in the middle of great transition, right now. I know that You have Your hand upon our move. When I get to Montana, next Sunday, I'll be looking for a new home church. Let me keep my mind on the purpose I have in attending a church. It's not all about what the church can do, ministering to me, but it's also about what I can do, ministering for the church. Help me have wisdom and discipline, to be able to minister to my family remotely. Help me to continue good deeds, even through this transition, so that my family will not be unfruitful, and so that I will not be unfruitful. Be glorified in what I do, because I am focused on obedience and the gospel. Open my eyes and ears, to know Your will and direction, and let your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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