WHY? Why does Paul write these letters to Timothy and Titus? 

We are now reading the words he wrote specifically to Titus. As I read, for some reason, I am reminded of sitting in my first college class that finally had something to do with teaching after the basic classes were taken. “Orientation to Teaching” was the name of the course. I remember sitting in rows with other hopeful, idealistic, and naive students. 

The professor stood up and spoke realistic words of warning, “Welcome to teaching 101. I want you to know that you will not earn a living doing this, so I hope you are called to do it. It is the most thankless, but most rewarding job you will ever do, but you must be called to do it. If you are looking to make a lot of money upon graduation, look for another major. It’s not going to happen with teaching.” Well, okay then. 

It never occurred to me about how much money I would make teaching. I just wanted to teach. My parents tried to talk me out of it…because of the money, and now my professors of teaching? This was not encouraging, but it did not deter me from pursing the degree. So, maybe I WAS called to teach. I wanted to make a difference.

Paul’s aim as he writes to both of these young men in the ministry to which he was called, is to “raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end.” (Titus 1, Msg) He is reminding them of their “calling” by God, Himself, with promises of life eternal. You are working for the Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ! “…and he doesn’t break promises!” He also gives them doses of reality along the way.

I get it. Not only was I called to teach, I felt I was born to teach and could do nothing else but teach as my way of contributing to this world. God used that calling in secular as well as paid ministry opportunities in my life to help others see Him. There were many other jobs I have done as I worked my way through school and after school and the teaching job, (because he was right about not making money doing this), to make a living. God was in all of it. Because all I do, I do for God and His Kingdom. That is the difference. God always put people in my path who needed help no matter what job I have done. That’s how HE WORKS!

Why am I stuck on the first couple of verse of Titus this morning? To raise your hopes with a dose of reality. You may not be doing exactly what you think you are “called” to do, but God has you where he wants you for now to do in You what He is preparing you to be and do with each day. Go with it. Let Him. 

No matter what God has called you to be and do, He will be with you and I just as he was with Paul, Timothy and Titus in their calling. No matter what your job happens to be at the moment, God is calling us to be ministers in that job or work. Long ago, when I was young, I thought only pastors were “called”, but that changed in my mind many years ago. We are all “called” to listen, to obey and to be all that God has design us to be in whatever “work” we are doing presently. 

We cannot muddle along in life just waiting for our calling to “flesh out”. God wants us now. Today. We are IN ministry NOW. No matter what, make each day count for Him, because of Him, wanting to please our Lord and Savior. The command: Love God. Love Others. is a daily ministry.

“…I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-pen, spacious life. We didn’t fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!” 2 Cor 6, Msg 

“My aim is to raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end. This is the life God promised long ago–and he doesn’t break promises!” Titus 1, Msg

Dear Heavenly Father, You made me think today…again. You had me at “raise hopes” and it’s not possible for You to break promises. Thank you for raising my hope today. I pray that others who read this will be encouraged with hope as well. Thank you, Lord for Your Word. Help us to live it openly and expansively! In Jesus Name! Amen! 

Still thinking about this..