“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work” (Titus 3:1).

In the process of presenting the duty of Christians in all matters of life, Paul challenges Titus to “set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (1:5). The character of God’s people must be above reproach in order that they “may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (v.9).

Paul knew that an orderly life and lots of good works are not the means of salvation: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (3:5). Rather, that “they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men” (v.8).

Now, it is one thing to be good to those who are good to us, but another to be good to those who might abuse us. Civilian authorities sometimes carry out procedures which are detrimental to individual citizens possibly because of inequities in the law or maybe by intent. Either way, it is easy to become provoked at the bureaucrat and treat him as the arch enemy. Curt responses and ugly letters become the means of evening the score.

Yet, even in these wrongful situations, the follower of God must “be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work” (v.1). In so doing we can display a similar undeserved love to that which Jesus showed us as an example. Remember, “the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man . . . which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (vv.4,6). This kind of love alone produces every good work. KBC