Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.

Titus 3:14, 15.

I love this closing.  In the body of the letter Paul encourages Titus and those who will read this letter to keep their focus on Jesus, not on peripheral issues, and to do good.  So, it is little wonder that he closes with these words, “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.”

Paul is speaking to born again believers, both Jews and Gentiles.  They are a new body on the face of the earth.  Paul calls all such, “Our people.”  I find this amazing.  The fellowships are not of one culture or of one social class, they are bound together by the unity of the cleansing by the Blood of Jesus and by the indwelling Holy Spirit of God.  Their common purpose is to live the life of Christ where they are, bound together in love.  Paul, bless him, calls them “Our people.”  Indeed they are and that fact has brought a new thing on the earth.

I expected Paul to insist that “Our people” have a common theology, a common set of beliefs and customs.  He does not even mention this in his final closing words.  Rather he emphasizes that they should “devote themselves to doing what is good.”  That is the common thread that should run clearly through all the fellowships.  They do good. 

Paul then points to the benefits of doing good.  It will provide their “urgent needs.”  So, looking after the needs of family and the needy is living proof that the Spirit of God is at work among them.

Furthermore, by choosing always to do good, they live what Paul calls, “productive lives.”  They produce things!  They are not content to simply consume, but to produce!  Through the ages Christians of all cultures produce things.

At first glance, I am amazed that Paul is very practical, convinced that good faith will produce good works.  I need to embrace this truth all over again.