Take Inventory

Daily Reading: Titus 1

Scripture Focus: They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. (Titus 1.16)

Devotional Thought: Paul instructed Titus, who was the overseer of the church on Crete, to "put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you" (v. 5).  These elders were to help the congregation distinguish between the false and the true.   There were teachers on Crete who were a very real threat to the purity – both doctrinally and ethically – of the church.  They were also a danger to themselves.  Paul’s harsh words were intended to protect the innocent and to humble the guilty.

The church is a community of grace.  That is a wonderful thing, but it also brings with it some inherent dangers.  In an atmosphere of tolerance and forgiveness, it is easy to develop a carefree and careless attitude.  From there, it is only a short step to presumption and insolence.  If we are not mindful of our spirits, we can become like those in Crete who “claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.”

What do your actions say about God?  Do you proclaim the loving and holy character of Jesus?  When people encounter you, do they find the forgiving spirit of grace?  Do your words bring healing and hope?  Or, do you deny God through harsh and hateful words, through immoral and unethical behavior, through prejudiced and proud attitudes?  Those who deny God in this way are “detestable, disobedient and unfit.” 

Those harsh words serve as a warning.  And, they help us identify potentially harmful characters in the church and in our own hearts.  It is good for us all to take inventory occasionally to ensure that our hearts are right before our God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to "take inventory" of my heart to see what is there.  Reveal to me where I am not like you and then transform me by the power of your Holy Spirit.  I surrender all my being to you.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.153-160

153 Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.

154 Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!

155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes.

156 Great is your mercy, O Lord; give me life according to your rules.

157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.

158 I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands.

159 Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love.

160 The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.