This is the fourth time that we look at the first verse of Paul’s letter to Titus. We heard that our one-paragraph CV must be a summary of how we live God’s truth. We heard that we should take joy in being God’s servant and we also have to share the truth that transcends all understanding.

And now, the fourth sermon on this verse: ¹… getting out the accurate word on God and how to respond rightly to it.

Is this really true? Does the truth, in other words, God’s Word, change us into servants of God? When I walk out of the church on Sunday, am I different from when I walked in? Do I walk differently? Do I act differently because I’ve run into God’s words?

What a bunch of questions, but we have to answer them. We have to ask whether we are changed, because otherwise what’s the use, we’re just wasting our time. I know I may be a bit too direct here for some people, but it’s no use messing about as we always did. We don’t impress anyone. Actually, not even ourselves, because deep inside peace remains out of our grasp.

At the end of the day, we need to ask ourselves these same questions about Crossroads. Do you walk away changed from when you began? Is your behaviour changed by the Crossroads messages?

Well, if they don’t change you, I wonder why you keep on reading them. Are you just soothing your conscience? Maybe it’s time to sit down and consider where you are caught so firmly in a rut that even the Words of God cannot move you to change your behaviour.

It’s like a pole above water and it’s not me saying so, but the Word of God. The truth cannot leave you unmoved. You must become different, even if it’s just a small change. When you walk through God’s Word and immerse yourself in the truths, you change. The own self shifts to the back and the focus is on those around you.

Dad comes camping with us. He’s been walking through God’s Word for nearly 40 years. Dad is different. Before, he was rough and ready, and on the building sites he told the men exactly what he thought of them when they messed up. When he prays nowadays, he cries almost every time, because he cares so much for people who suffer. Instead of shouting and scolding, his heart bleeds for others.

Those years walking through the Word changed him. He looks differently at life and sees people through the heart of Jesus.

And as I sit here typing I have this burning desire to pray for you. “Lord, be with your children. Please help them see your heart. Please help your children get out of the rut and open their hearts. May their hearts open up and be willing to change. May each of them be overwhelmed by your Words and your truths so that they have to change. May each of them walk straight to You. Amen.”

Scripture
Titus 1:1-4

Reflection
Does God’s truth change you?
What do you hold onto?
What do you have to do differently?

Prayer
Father, You know how difficult it is for me to change. You know, like I do, what I don’t want to let go. Please help me to let go. Please help me allow the truth to change me. Amen.