The apostle Paul told Titus to teach the older
and younger men and women (2:1-6). (That covers just about everyone,
doesn’t it?) But in addition to Titus’ oral teaching, Paul told the
evangelist, “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern
of good works” (v.7). Titus’ example needed to mirror to his
listeners his own conviction about the things he was teaching.
Paul then told Titus to “exhort servants to be
obedient to their own masters, …not answering back, not pilfering…
that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all
things” (2:9,10). To “adorn” means “to put in proper order, that is,
decorate” (Strong’s Greek Dictionary). These servants, or slaves,
were to ’decorate’ God’s word with lives that illustrated its
teachings. No mere acknowledgement of the truth here -- rather, full
consistency between doctrine and actions. By their good deeds even
the lowliest class of society could cause the gospel to be more
attractive to interested onlookers.
Looking at this from an opposite vantage point,
Paul told servants that they were eschew any behavior that would
cause God’s word to be “blasphemed” (1 Timothy 6:1).
To teach our neighbor the gospel of Christ is the
greatest good that we could show toward him. But if our example is
not consistent with our words our good will likely be turned into
the greatest harm. Paul asked, “You therefore, who teach another, do
you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal,
do you steal? You who say, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ do you commit
adultery?… For the name of God is blasphemed among the
Gentiles because of you” (Romans 2:21-24). Sadly, hypocrisy in a
disciple’s life has irreparably damaged many a teaching opportunity,
and has too often “shut up the kingdom of heaven against men” (see
Matthew 23:13).
On the other hand, consistent righteous deeds
“adorn” one’s teaching. Right doctrine coupled with a teacher’s
right living make the strongest educational tool, so much that even
some skeptics can be brought to “glorify God in the day of
visitation” (1 Peter 2:12). Isn’t this what our Lord indicated?
(Matthew 5:16)
It’s a matter that should fill us with concern
(at the very least), to think that our actions will either ‘adorn’
God’s word or cause it to be ‘blasphemed.’
Perhaps you are saying, “Noble, I already knew
this!”
Okay…
Why, then, did you allow yourself to lose your
temper the other day with the cashier who didn’t get your fast food
order correct?…
Why, then, did you break your word to your child
last month after you told him you would help him study for a test?…
Why, then, did you allow your neighbor to see too
much of your skin the other day?
You say, “When did I ever--?” … Perhaps never.
But what about your actions? Are they adorning the
doctrine, or detracting from it?
Beloved, let our adorning of God’s word be with
lives of godly consistency. Not only will it save us in the end, it
will help to save many others in that day. Don’t be fooled into
thinking that others aren’t watching you -- they are! Our parents,
children, siblings, friends, neighbors, brethren, and casual
acquaintances need to see a life lived in harmony with our
words.
