At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Titus 3:3-8
“We have a strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. I have heard others, and I have heard myself, recounting cruelties and falsehoods committed in boyhood as if they were no concern of the present speaker’s, and even with laughter. but mere time does nothing either to the fact or to the guilt of a sin. the guilt is washed out not by time but by repentance and the blood of Christ: if we have repented these early sins we should remember the price of our forgiveness and be humble.”
C.S. Lewis in The Problem of Pain (Quebec: Samizdat University Press, 2016) 35.
If you are observing this Labor Day weekend in the USA, recall with me the generous work Jesus did for us. Consider with gratitude the price of the forgiveness of our sins that He paid for each of us, repent, and be humble. Let us also, in so doing, not forget the purpose this work has given us.
Paul urges Titus to “to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” Many people are devoted to their passions and pleasures which take the shape of hobbies and self-interests. As God is watching, let us choose to live for Him alone.
Father, thank you for your kindness and love toward us. Forgive us of our sins past and present. Make us, by your Holy Spirit, people careful to devote ourselves to generous living with humility. Do this for your glory we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.