Eager to Do Good

The grace of God … teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, … eager to do what is good.

Titus 2:11, 12,14

The words “eager to do what is good” really caught my attention, so I wanted to study this passage close up. For conciseness, I am only covering parts of verses 11-14.

Grace. What is the grace of God? God's grace is His favor and kindness to all humanity. Grace is God’s goodwill for all people. It's expressed in the angel's song about Baby Jesus's birth, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). God's grace is a central theme of the entire Bible, culminating in the form of salvation offered through Jesus Christ to all people.

When I experience God's grace on a day-to-day level, my heart bursts with gratitude to my Heavenly King. It doesn't take much effort for me to wake up and, without even opening my eyes, pray "I cling to you; your right hand upholds me" (Psalm 63:8). Here are just a few examples of His grace in my life that I see:

1. A moment to notice a bit nature: a bird catching breakfast, an unusual bug, a glorious display in the sky

2. Calm in chaos. A higher level of existing that doesn't get frazzled with grumpy people, inconveniences, or stressful traffic.

3. Gratitude in receiving my pay check, buying groceries, paying bills. Yes, I "earned" the money to spend, but God provided the opportunity, the health to work, and the discounted apples.

4. A nudge to remember to say a prayer. Someone brought to mind, a thank you, or a desperate, "God, help me!"

5. The ability to see another's need. A ride home from the dollar store in the hot sun. Averting my attention from someone's embarrassment. A kind smile to the cashier with a chip on her shoulder. So many needs surround us every moment.

6. Sharing the joy of a friend.

7. Tasting my coffee with a splash of cream early in the morning.

To even the least observant person, God's grace is apparant as even in the breath I breathe is reliant on God to sustain me. Acts 17:28 says, "For in him we live, and move, and have our being."

Next, His grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. When I pay attention to all of the goodness God extends to me, His grace has a transformative power to change my heart. It gives me the capability - even eagerness - to reject what God rejects, which are behaviors, thoughts, and desires that are unholy.

“Ungodliness” is a word that describes a life void of reverence for God while pursuing moral corruption. “Worldly passions” are a broad range of desires that align with secular values and opinions that include, but are not limited to pride, greed, selfishness, lust, and envy. Renouncing these things is repenting, or turning away from them. Instead of ungodly and worldly things being my mental and spiritual default, God’s grace teaches me to live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life in this present age.

The world says that we “deserve to have fun” and we are entitled to every pleasure that looks wonderful, tastes delicious, and makes us feels good. The world says that success is obtaining as much as possible, looking on-trend in the latest fashion, being seen at the newest place, all curated in sleek social media posts.

But God’s grace teaches us to live self controlled. That we eat only what we need, drink within reason, purchase only what we need for our daily necessities. Time and money are not spent or hoarded unreasonably. We must be ready to give to the poor and needy our extra resources of possessions, time, and skills. God’s Word says that we are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (1 Timothy 6:18) This is self control. If we have consumed all of our money and time on ourselves, what is left to share with others?

A self-controlled life is life that a person puts a lot of thought into. A self-controlled, godly person is wise and prudent. He or she values discretion and knows not to say the first thing that comes to mind. I have very little regret when I hold my tongue, think about my words, and find a opportune time to give those words in love and kindness. 1 Timothy 1: 7 says that God’s Spirit gives us power, love and self-discipline, all of which are to be used for other’s good, not for our own benefit.

Upright and godly lives. An upright life is a righteous life. It is one in which a person has a holy fear, or reverence, of God and lives within the parameters of what a Christ-follower has been given in the Scriptures.

Upright is also a call to justice and integrity. Social injustice would be if I allowed myself to oppress the vulnerable, cheat, lie, manipulate, and slander. An upright life would be the opposite: a life that champions the cause of the oppressed, meets the needs of the needy, and is marked by a reputation of truth and integrity.

A godly life is a holy life. It is a person who need never be afraid of being caught up in scandal. A person that leads a godly life has a peace that surrounds them because they are not afraid of any negative consequences and certainly do not fear what others think of them, because their actions are true and right. That is not to say, perfect. No human has ever been perfect except Jesus Christ. But we are called to live a holy life, one that honors God in everything we do and say.

A godly life also reflects the love and compassion that God had on us to send us His Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for our salvation. This is embodied in acts of service, love, and kindness. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

This present age, is today, in our consumerism culture that promotes our own vanity and pride. This present age mocks and destroys godly things. Christ followers face moral relativism, social pressures, and spiritual opposition.

The best way to understand what “this present age” is to study God’s Word, because it should be the one and true moral compass of our lives. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Godly living in this present age is a call to embody Jesus Christ and His teachings in a way that humbly challenges cultural strongholds. Our faith and commitment to God is reflected in a way that shines light in a world whose light is dimmed by evil, corruption, and violence.

Instead, I must be zealous to do what is good. This eagerness is the result of the power of God to transform our lives into what is good and pleasing to Him. Not out of duty or terrified fear, but with the eagerness to please someone I love and care about. Enthusiasm for serving others with good deeds is a evidence of a healthy spiritual life of one closely connected to our sweet Heavenly Father.

Psalm 16:11 says, "What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?" That is a question for me today, as I spend today eagerly looking to do what is good, as the Lord has been good to me.

What shall I return to the Lord in worship? A fast? Songs of adoration? Prayers of loyalty and commitment? A strengthened faith and devotion to the only God? An upright and godly life of self-controlled reverence? Good works done eagerly?

Mental checkboxes:

• Am I looking with gratitude for evidence of God's grace in my life? Do I take the time to thank Him and tell others?

• Am I eager to say “no” to secret sins, ungodliness, and worldly passions?

• Am I earnestly seeking how to live a self-controlled life, monitoring my finances, time, thoughts, and anything I intake (mentally or physically) that it all honors God?

• Am I zealously and consistently expressing my faith and adoration for God by doing good works?

• What can I give to the Lord today for all His goodness to me?

For further reading: the Book of Titus