"This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men" (Titus 3:8).

In our capitalistic economy, the profit motive is commonly paramount in the conduct of any business enterprise, and properly so. Unless the business is profitable, it will eventually fail. Even so-called "non-profit" organizations, dependent on support from sources other than the sale of goods or services must show a different kind of "profit" (spiritual, perhaps) in the lives of their clients or supporters, or else they also will fail.

The profit-loss metaphor is therefore often applied in the New Testament to the Christian life. "For what shall it profit a man," said Jesus, "if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul" (Mark 8:36). And for the believer, as our text says, being "careful to maintain good works" is "profitable unto men."

A commentary on our present generation may be derived from Paul's advice to young pastor Timothy: "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" (I Timothy 4:8).

Most significant of all is the great climax of Paul's final epistle: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (II Timothy 3:16-17).

If we would be profitable servants of Christ, therefore, godliness, good works, and lives centered in the Holy Scriptures should characterize our service. "These things are good and profitable unto men." HMM