Read: Titus 3:1-15
Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need. (v. 14)
Bill and Kandis have lived in Midland for 33 years. On May 20th, as thousands of homes were filled with mud and water from the flood, their home remained dry and intact, two miles away from the water line. How could they not help others when the needs were so great, right in their own beloved hometown?
Within hours of the “all clear,” both husband and wife were quickly engaged in service according to their giftings. Bill hauled out hundreds of pounds of damaged drywall, carpet, and furniture, a task officially known as “mucking.” “Strangers would show up at a house, introduce themselves, and just get to work,” Bill told me. Kandis, on the other hand, quickly recognized that the helpers themselves would need help. Loading up her car with food, water, and tea, she supplied much-needed support for those who supplied the much-needed manual work. An equally necessary task.
The doctrine of the incarnation is key to the book of Titus. In these pages, Paul was reminding Titus that God became flesh in the person of Jesus, and believers’ lives are changed by embracing his grace and love. As a result, faith-in-action is nonnegotiable for Paul. “Good works” embody solid theology and reflect the active engagement of God in our world. Faith-filled, physical acts become a tangible manifestation of the transformed life in Christ. —Tammy DeRuyter
As you pray, ask God to fill your heart with love for your community and the courage to meet needs with boldness.
About the Author
Tammy DeRuyter is a former stockbroker turned student of theology and history. She holds master’s degrees in both from Fuller Theological Seminary and Central Michigan University. Married for more than 25 years to Michael, an ordained RCA pastor, they have three emerging, young adult children ages 20, 21, and 22—the youngest of whom was adopted at 11.
