Let me begin my thought today with a question: What are you known for? Do your co-workers view you with respect? Or do you find yourself thinking that nobody understands you and that the boss always seems to have it in for you? Paul gave Titus some instructions for teaching the people to whom he ministered that I find challenging, but that you and I need to consider carefully. In Titus 3:1-2 Paul wrote:”Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” Let’s break that down, bit by bit. Being subject to rulers and authorities: An attitude of submission; a willingness to be instructed and directed. Are you easy to lead? If not, you’re violating this important spiritual principle.

OBEDIENT. Do you quickly obey rules and directions, or do you usually try to debate them first?

READY FOR EVERY GOOD WORK. The idea there is that you’re quick to step up and chip in! As opposed to being quick to step back and watch others work, or tell them how they should be doing it.

SPEAKING EVIL OF NO ONE. Need we say more?…

PEACEABLE. Just easy to get along with. Opposite of argumentative and quarrelsome. If you are always being misunderstood, the fault probably lies with your communication and/or attitudes, not with everybody else’s perceptions! Maybe it’s time to just suck it up, take a hard look in the mirror, and ask the Lord to show you what He sees.

GENTLE. Strength under control. Nothing to prove. Concerned with the impact of your words, attitudes, actions upon others. Do you think about the effect you have on the people around you?

SHOWING ALL HUMILITY TO ALL MEN. Determine to drop the facade and let people get to know the real you. The one who doesn’t have all the answers. The one who is sometimes lonely, sad, and a little afraid of the future.

“Father we want to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. Lord, please fill us afresh today with your Holy Spirit and change us into your likeness. In those moments when we are about to react in the flesh rather than responding in the Spirit please remind us of this lesson from the Apostle Paul. We ask it in the wonderful Name of Jesus. Amen.”