Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 147

May 27;   Titus 3:1;   203/260(I);   ‘Ready for Good Works’

Titus 3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,

Paul tells Titus, who is a Pastor, to teach his congregation to obey those in authority.  What if you do not like your elected officials or the laws they have passed?  If that is the case, and often it is, we are to pray for our leaders and ask the Lord to deal with them to change laws that are inappropriate or unfair.  Proverbs 21:1 teaches that the heart of those in authority is in the hand of the Lord and the Lord can direct the one in authority, even if they are not a Christian.  God the Father instituted government and laws, so that there would not be chaos.  Criticism of our leaders, even if it is deserved, does not change anything.  If you do this vocally, to others and they know you are a Christian, it does the cause of Jesus Christ a disservice.  Dealing with people, be they saved or not saved, is not an easy thing to do.  That is why our leaders desperately need our sincere prayers.  This is the first thing we are to do, pray for our leaders. If we disapprove of laws that are wrong or unfair, we can and should if the opportunity arises voice our concerns, in love.  Once we pray for our leaders and voice our concerns to the Lord regarding things we see as wrong, we then have done our part.  Then we are ready for every good work.  Your Christlike attitude, your sincere caring, your relationship with the Lord enables you to bless and help others regardless of the circumstances they may be facing.  We share the Lord by our character as well as by sharing the Word of God with them. They will know Jesus is real, as they see Him working through you.  We continue Jesus’ ministry.  No greater honor.