It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this. Titus 3:3-8
I read this recently at the recommendation of Rick Warren in the Message version and WOW did it make more sense that from previous readings. Often today those people who are called Christ Followers have forgotten what it was like before a relationship the Lord.
Great Christian people seem to have little tolerance for the type of people noted above and we see it in the way they act. On Sundays they dress up and go to church and give praises,worship, and prayers but if you see them at lunch afterwards they will have a comment about a person or family sitting in the restaurant that brings them back to "Stupid" as noted in verse 3.
We form opinions about those around us when we have never walked a moment in their shoes. Many people talk the talk of a Christ Follower but in observing their daily life their old nature comes flying to the forefront. Everything noted in verse three and four come flying to the surface.
Take a moment and reflect on your status today as a Christ Follower. Do not stare at other people's mistakes but stop and think, "Do I need a bath?"
If it is not a bath you need then maybe consider getting our a washcloth and realize that you are a new person who was stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by your glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back.
Or is it time for a bath?
