Living the Good Life

I enjoy Paul’s letters, as they are jam-packed with directives and information that is extremely useful in my daily walk. Sometimes this information can be controversial and difficult to understand, while at other times the message seems crystal clear. While one of the shorter books in the Bible, Paul’s letter to Titus contains all of these features in three short pages (fewer without the footnotes!)

Ultimately, however, Paul’s message can be distilled into one theme: live a good life. That sounds easy enough, but just what constitutes living a good life? Let’s take a look at some of Paul’s directives:

“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and endurance.”

Personally, I think you could remove the words “older men”, as this advice is equally applicable to men and women of all ages.

His advice to older women? “Be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers …”

How about younger women? “ … love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure …”

Again, this advice is equally applicable to both men and women. But, the distinction was made as Paul was speaking to the culture of the area and time period.

Paul emphasizes that we have been saved by the grace and mercy of God, not by anything we have done to deserve such a wondrous gift.

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

We honor God and show appreciation for this wonderful gift by leading Godly lives. We should always strive to do what is good, and, as Paul instructs, “say ‘No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives …” We should stand “ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.”

That “slander” bit is troubling. “Slander” is such a vicious word, with some pretty mean connotations. Few of us would admit to doing such a thing to another person. However, do we gossip? Do we make nasty or mean-spirited comments about people behind their backs? Do we spread the latest news about someone in an effort to degrade or embarrass them? We are all guilty of such deeds, and it is something that is very, very difficult to stop. The message is clear, however: don’t do it.

Our sights and actions should be at a higher level. We are God’s children, and should act like it. Our goal should not be earthly possessions or pursuits. Rather, we should “be careful to devote ourselves to doing what is good.” According to Paul, “These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”

If Spike Lee had authored this book in the Bible, he likely would have entitled it “Do the Right Thing.” That’s exactly what Paul is instructing us to do: live a good life, striving to do good. Jesus is our model for “doing the right thing”. When we have doubts or questions about what the right thing to do might be, ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” Then you’ll have the answer to your dilemma.