Titus 3:1-11

 1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient,
to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and
considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. 3At one time we too
were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and
pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not
because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved
us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he
poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having
been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal
life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that
those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing
what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. 9But avoid
foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law,
because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and
then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may
be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Meditation
1. The “before and after” snapshot is as applicable to Christian faith as to diet
clinics. In fact, the approach is much more reliable in faith than diet fads.
Christ in the life makes life different. And makes us different too. Salvation is
not merely a matter of eternity, of getting “saved” so we can get to heaven.
It’s a way of life for the community. It isn’t a private matter between the soul
and God but a very public matter between husbands and wives, parents and
children, friends and co-workers, pastors and parishioners.
2. Slowly read through this passage again. Take a moment to think of the
metaphor of the “before and after” snapshot. What is the “before and after”
snapshot of my faith journey? How obvious is the contrast shown?