Be an Example to the World

(Titus 2:9-10 – An Example to the World)

It has been said of Mahatma Gandhi that he once said, “I would be a Christian if it wasn’t for Christians!”

Gandhi was a man of peace who won independence from the British Raj by peaceful protest. But what he recognised in Christianity was one of the worst things anyone could call a Christian. They were hypocrites.

Paul’s letter to Titus gives us some examples of how to live our lives in Christ. We are to be an example to the world of the life of Christ in all ways. Perhaps if those Christians in India had lived as an example to the world, Gandhi may have become a Christian too.

An example to the world of masters and bosses

We don’t see slavery today as it was in years gone by. That is not to say it does not still exist in many parts of the world. It does! But it has been stamped out in many places today where even a hundred years ago it was quite common.

Regardless of that, even though Paul wrote to Titus referencing the behaviour slaves were to exhibit, as we look at the words it is just as relevant to anyone in an employer/employee relationship.

Employers may not be like the slave masters of old, but still they require a certain standard of behaviour from their employees. They expect employees to do much the same as what Paul wrote to Timothy about, and by so doing, they become an example to the world.

9 Bid slaves to be submissive to their masters and to give satisfaction in every respect; they are not to be refractory, 10 nor to pilfer, but to show entire and true fidelity, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. (Titus 2:9-10)

Employees may not be required to be submissive, however they still ought to follow the directions of their employers. And there are good reasons for this in many cases. It could be a matter of safety, health, standardisation of products, reputation, or many other things. And it is good for the employer if the employee can willingly contribute ideas to improve the work processes.

Such behaviour will win the respect and praise of the employer.

Similarly, employees should not be refractory or argue back without good reason. The should show true fidelity to the one who pays their wages, even when they leave the employ of that organisation. They should not pilfer or steal from their employer (there are many who do…and when it is found out they suffer the consequences).

An example to the world as Christians

Jesus established many standards that we need to follow as Christians. Perhaps some of the best are shown in the sermon on the mount that is covered in Matthew chapters 5 through 7.

The standards Jesus set are much higher than what the rest of the world are being held to. We are to be an example to the world of the goodness and righteousness of God. We are to show by our actions, words, and behaviour that we seek a higher standard.

To live in Christ is to follow Him. He was an example to the world given by God and we are to live as an example to the world in our lives from day to day.

People should look at us and know there is something different. That difference should be the life of Christ shining in our life as we follow Him and are led by His words.

A commandment to love

We know that Jesus came to take away our sins and to set us free from the laws of Moses. These things were achieved in His death and resurrection.

What is fascinating is that even though Jesus set us free from the law, He did give us one commandment that we need to follow. When we do follow this commandment, we become an example to the world.

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

We should also understand that the whole of the Old Testament law of Moses was also summed up in two commandments, both of which are commandments to love.

35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:35-40)

If we follow the laws of love by loving God, loving our brethren and our neighbours, then we will be an example to the world.

The world does not know the love of God. In fact the world does not know love or how to truly love because they do not know God.

But when we follow the laws of love in our lives, we become an example to the world. We are as different to the people of the world as night is from day. When we are motivated b the love of God in our lives, following the ways of Jesus, we become different people. We are separated from the world by the power of God’s love.

And they see it too. They recognise there is something different about us, even though they don’t understand what it is. And by becoming an example to the world, we open up opportunities for the world to see and hear about Christ, and perhaps even come to Him, which is the greatest blessing of all.

And all of this occurs because we are an example to the world. Even if we do not say a word, our actions and behaviours betray our differences from the world. We stand above the world as examples of God’s love that works within us.

So, be an example to the world in Jesus Christ. Show your faith in all you do and say because you can’t be hidden when Christ is at work in you.

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