Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. Titus 2:9-10
Dear heavenly Father, Paul’s words about making the gospel attractive remind me of an incident yesterday afternoon. While on a walk, in near spring-like conditions, I came upon your Son’s name in a recently poured sidewalk. “Jesus loves you” was scribbled in the cement with either a finger or a stick.
My “inner-judge-and-jury” sprung to life, and I imagined finding the perpetrator and asking, “What were you thinking? You defaced private property, identified yourself as a Christian, and this is supposed to make the gospel attractive?”
But it didn’t take me long to move from being a self-appointed prosecuting attorney to a convicted son. For I realize you have every right to ask me, “What are you thinking when you and your friends carry on loud conversation about me in a restaurant and then proceed to way under-tip your server? And what are you thinking when you indulge in self-pity, pointless gossip, and cynical banter in front of your children?”
“And what are you thinking when you disregard speed limits and parking signs, with a Christian fish symbol and bumper-sticker for your church on the back of your car? And what are you thinking when you overindulge in food and beverage, and call it ‘Christian liberty’? And what are you thinking when your body language screams, “these people are idiots!” when lines, traffic, and service-people don’t move fast enough for you?”
Father, the gospel is attractive all by itself. You’re not calling us to “spice it up,” put a bow on it, or add anything to it, for there’s no such need. We simply must be more careful not to hide its beauty by our foolishness, misuse of freedom, and lack of manners. Continue to show us what it means to do all things “in line with the truth of the gospel” (Gal. 2:14). So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ peerless and loving name.