Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;
To Titus, a true son in our common faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
Titus 1:1-4 NKJV
Recently I saw a post that encouraged folks who give out Halloween candy at the door to welcome older teenagers and give them treats. Some people criticise older teens who go out and refuse to give them candy. The author was suggesting that these teenagers could be doing bad things or worthless things so support their clean fun.
What is interesting in Paul's writing is that he is a bondservant of God, a slave of God and sent in the Name of Jesus Christ to declare the common faith. His focus is solely on the glory of the Living God.
According to the magazine: Money, the Oct. 28th/17 article, Americans spend on average: $86 on Halloween; $134 on Father's Day; $136 on Valentine's Day; $151 on Easter; $186 on Mother's Day; $589 for gifts at Christmas and an additional $796 for all the other costs associated with Christmas.
How much do we as Christians give of ourselves and our money for the cause of Christ and the expansion of His Kingdom? We willingly and slavishly toss money after all these celebrations which focus only on our own pleasures. How much do we give for helping missionaries? How much do we spend in giving help to widows and orphans? How much do we pour out in order to sustain those who preach and minister among us? These gospel ministers show us our addictions to that which kills us and bring us to the healing and freedom that is found in Christ alone.
Jesus, I would be Your willing slave. By Your Spirit help me to see what is keeping me chained to the world and its lusts and foolishness. Break every chain and keep me as Your bondservant so that I will not wander away into old patterns of sin. In all of this, Father of Love, thank You that You have rescued me from bondage to sin and death and given new life in Christ. Let my life and my words declare Your love and goodness. Amen.
