ODJ: now and then
July 20, 2009
Encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind (vv.6-7).
READ: Titus 2:1-15
You have to love the creative ways people show God’s love to others. Recently, I was impressed as I learned about a friend’s compassionate ministry to college students. The teens and 20-somethings come over to her home for meals, for guidance, and to learn from her godly example. With their homes being far away, they now have a “home” and “mother” nearby.
When I complimented my friend for serving the students, she explained that her efforts were all about now and then. She’s loving and encouraging these kids now the way she hopes some other believers in Jesus will love her own kids then—when they’re attending college.
Paul “took in” a young protégé, Titus, and showed him the “ropes” of loving and guiding others. He emphasized that this young leader on the Island of Crete must “be an example to [other believers] by doing good works of every kind” (Titus 2:7).
The apostle’s aim was for Titus to teach and disciple more and more believers in Jesus of all ages (vv.2-4,6) and to do the works of a mature believer so that they in turn would “do them” (v.15). This “multiplication” plan was originally put in motion by Jesus Himself when He established the Great Commission of the church (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). As the concentric circles of believers in Christ continue to expand, more and more people become believers and start making their own waves—teaching others and doing the things that flow from authentic faith (Titus 2:11).
What waves have you been making? Who are you encouraging to dive deeper into spiritual truth? As we love and lead others to Jesus and teach them His ways, we’re doing what my student-loving friend is up to—building into young believers now, so they can disciple young believers then. —Tom Felten
How exciting would it be to have someone you’ve discipled disciple your child one day? What will you do today to love and disciple others for Jesus?
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