Signs of Life

I have been thinking a lot about and aiming to practice living the gospel in tangible ways. I have seen it in action across the country among groups of believers that are very different in style but united in their common love for Jesus and commitment to gospel-centered life and ministry. I have been thinking a lot about how a deep love for Jesus is evidenced by daily engagement in good deeds. A relationship with the crucified, risen and returning Lord will work itself out in tangible actions that benefit others. Those who are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ will be used by Him to make a difference, not just for life but for eternity – in the lives of those they come in contact with. There will be signs of life. They will not be fruitless, there will be recognizable fruit. The life of Jesus in us with work itself out. There will be signs of life as every Christian bears fruit.

Titus 3:14 (ESV) "and let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful". A major emphasis in Titus is on good deeds as a platform for effective sharing of the gospel. People listen when they know they matter to you; in relationship with them, you have a virtual open door to say anything that is profitable for their life.

Titus 3:4-7 shows the realities of life in Christ. Our good works are built upon this. They must come after, not before – these realities are ours because of Jesus not us. Titus 3:8 says "this saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people". The word "Engage" or "devote" in Titus 3:8 and 14 means to stand before, to take the lead in, to be careful to be busy doing something. The word has a technical meaning “to practice a profession”. Literally then it means to fulfill your profession, your vocation, your calling from God. We are to take the lead in doing good!

I heard pastor Craig Groeschel say recently, "To reach people no one is reaching, you have to do things no one is doing". So we will be seeking to reach people that aren’t being reached by doing things that aren’t being done. What isn’t being done in your community, or in your neighborhood? In large part it’s ministry to the invisible people, the marginalized, the unlovely, the hard to love, those who can’t pay you back or maybe won’t even show appreciation. In Portland, Oregon the homeless gather under the Burnside Bridge. So carloads of Christians from Bridgetown Ministries show up on Friday nights and minister to these needy men and women. In addition to providing hot meals, shaves, and haircuts, some of the volunteers wash the homeless people's feet. Tom Krattenmaker, a writer for USA Today, was stunned by the display, calling it one of the most audacious acts of compassion and humility I have ever witnessed. This group of society's outcasts had their bare feet immersed in warm water, scrubbed, dried, powdered, and placed in clean socks. One man said with a smile, I can't find the words to describe how good that felt. Krattenmaker commented on the significance of the foot washing: Washing someone's feet is an act best performed while kneeling. Given the washer's position, and the unpleasant appearance and odor of a homeless person's feet, it's hard to imagine an act more humbling. In preparation for their outreach, the leader of Bridgetown Ministries offered these words: When you go out there tonight, I want you to look for Jesus. You might see him in the eyes of a drunk person, a homeless person…we're just out there to love on people".

We are firmly committed to the gospel message – to live it and share it – so, as God gives us strength: we will also be aiming to be a counter culture for the common good. The Gospel Coalition puts it in the form of a question and a response: The question: How should we relate to the culture around us? The response: By being a counter–culture. "We want to be a church that not only gives support to Christians in their personal walks with God, but one that also shapes them into the alternative human society God creates by his Word and Spirit." For the common good. "It’s not enough that the church should counter the values of the dominant culture. We must be a counter–culture for the common good. We want to be radically distinct from the culture around us and yet, out of that distinct identity, we should sacrificially serve neighbors and even enemies, working for the flourishing of people, both here and now, and in eternity." All this while struggling with our own sin issues and processing gospel truth as opposed to pagan lies in our own weak, frail humanity. The difference is Jesus in us; His mercy and grace covers our sin and lifts us out of the quicksand of our sin and delivers us; the indwelling Holy Spirit convicting us of sin and convincing us of truth.

As we seek daily to show the love of Jesus in us, as Jesus works out His life in and through us, we will be holding unswervingly to the one gospel while sharing it in many ways. The message always stays the same, the methods we use must change. The gospel can’t be touched, the way we share it must appropriately move.

When we have a deep love for Jesus which is evidenced by daily engagement in good deeds we will be found to be standing strong in the grace of God. Life is hard, there are so many daily struggles, the temptation to give in or give up is often strong, but praise God He is greater and stronger. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Yes, life is hard but the good thing about it is that it is daily, and that is good because we have new reminders every day of God’s faithfulness. Lam. 3:22-23 the Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never end, His compassions never fail, great is Thy faithfulness. The sun also rises and sets and a new day is filled with many new God-given opportunities. Paul said to Timothy, you therefore my son in the faith be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Daniel 11:32 "The people who know their God will display strength and take action". Ps. 108:13 "Through God we will do valiantly and it is He who will tread down our adversaries".

Engaging in good works looks like you, along your household and your fellow brothers and sisters simply being obedient to God’s call. To some it may look mundane, ordinary, daily, routine – it may look boring to some - but in the hands of God we will be used in ways we may have never dreamed. In the hands of God ordinary things become extraordinary. Ordinary everyday faithfulness to God and what He has called you to be and do will produce extraordinary outcomes. There are signs of life. A deep love for Jesus is evidenced by daily engagement in good deeds that God uses for His glory. As Jesus said in Matt. 5:16 let your light shine in such a way that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.