In Times Like These

Titus 3:1 ¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

How many times have we heard or read this scripture?

Do you know what it is saying, what it means? 

"to be subject" = obey, follow

principalities = angels or magistrates (authority - person in charge)

powers = delegated influence, authority

magistrates = one in power (authority)

Spiritual privileges do not make void or weaken, but confirm civil duties. Mere good words and good meanings are not enough without good works. They were not to be quarrelsome, but to show meekness on all occasions, not toward friends only, but to all men, though with wisdom, (MHCC)

We (the Church), are being instructed in obedience. Not just to our Lord but also to our government/s (law/s). There has to be guide lines, rules to follow - for people to act civilized. Discipline.

 Titus 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

Oh what a change in our lives if we would know the Word and follow it to the letter!!!! First thing we want to do is retaliate when we observe a wrong doing, an injustice. 

Mt 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

Titus 3:9  But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

We live in a world of sin, corruption, and strife. We did not just find this out either. It is not something new. What is more evident today is that what is being reported is not the WHOLE STORY in most cases. We hear about one atrocity while another goes completely ignored.  

God gave us our guide, the Holy Bible. Follow all scripture, not just some of it. His Word continually tells us to stay humble, meek, and gentle. Trust Him to follow His plan for this world and your life in it. Let the angry, hurt, and vengeful feelings go so that God can fulfill His work/s in you. 

JESUS WAS ULTIMATELY MISTREATED, HATED, AND ABUSED....yet, He loved (all men/women/children) anyway. When Peter tried to defend him by cutting of an ear, Jesus reached down, picked up the ear and put back on the man's head. HEALED the "hater's" servant - who came to capture Him and crucify Him. 

Luke 22:50  And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

 51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

 52 Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?

Can you do it? If you can't, time to get on your knees and pray. Ask God to help you get rid of the fleshly emotions that stand in your way of spiritual victory! I am working on me too. 

LOVE ONE ANOTHER, LOVE YOUR ENEMY, LOVE YOURSELF... LOVE GOD!

PS. 

 Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Lord, I know you are working things out for my good, on my behalf. Help me to leave it in your capable hands and do as Your Word instructs us to do. Send peace to the broken-hearted today I pray. Comfort for those that lost loved ones. In your sweet Holy Name, Amen