Excelling In Goodness And Mercy Series

I admire those like Vernon Armitage, who was my pastor at Pleasant Valley, Kansas City, who has served churches that have broken through the barriers of mediocracy that so easily leads to our demise. God has seen fit to use me in churches who are struggling to redream the dream and catch the joy of serving Him as he grows His church. This ministry is never easy, sometimes it is very difficult. Many ministers have walked away from this challenge and have either gotten involved in starting new churches, become discouraged and caustic, or have walked away from the ministry.

I believe Titus contains the key to finding the right perspective for a healthy church, a church that attracts healthy Christians. When I read the book I find myself asking, "Why does Scripture strongly advocate living according to a particular standard?"

If you were to take a peek at my list of values, you would discover the desire to be useful in the Kingdom is second only to developing a dynamic relationship with God. My heart resonates with the words of Bob Pierce, who allowed one little child to stir his heart. The stirring of his heart led to the organization of World Vision, a ministry with the goal of transforming children. He said, "Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God."

Conclusion.

I often have the perception that many Christians are miles apart when attempting to figure out the place of Christianity in their lives. This creates a degree of tension in churches. You will get an array of responses when asking the question, "How do you measure the effectiveness of a church?"

Perhaps in Titus we have the answer to that question in two part approach. First, Paul teaches them how to excel as learners. We all want to excel in sports; however, learning the basic prior to the big game is critical. I had never played basketball in junior high, other than in a regular physical education class. Not anticipating getting to play, I asked the high school coach if I could at least practice so I could develop the skills needed. He took special interest in me and taught me the skills I needed. Yet, I had to commit myself to pay close attention and practice. This allowed me to play in a few varsity games that year, in addition to playing on the junior varsity team.

Up to this point Paul has been instructing Titus who, in turn, teaches Christians. This process requires unlearning certain things as a way to make room for new lessons. The worldview on the Island of Crete was a difficult place to plant a church and make disciples. New Christians had to depart from the worldview that had been a part of their life for a long time.

How has our worldview made it difficult to make disciples? The Bible teaches us how we should think and behave. We live in a society where people, especially young people, are impacted by a society that is similar to to the one on the Island of Crete. Will we commit ourselves to excelling in goodness and mercy? Learning as a disciple how God would have us live?