Future anticipation of something always makes us behave differently in the here and now. For example, booking a holiday means we buy sun lotion or a few items of clothing that will suit the weather. Or think of Marty, the main character in the movie Back to the Future, who pursues a particular course of action because he knows what the future will be like. 

The confidence that must fill the Cretan Christians is based on so much more: the saving work of Christ has already been done and it can be realised in the present (vs 11,12)! His work of non- judgemental, generous acceptance which extends to all, not just a few, must make the present different. This means change – not accepting the world as it is, but working towards a world as it should be. A world that is marked with kindness and justice, God- willed not self- willed, and doing ‘what is good’ (v 14). Because Christians have experienced the powerful love and grace of God, it must inform the way they live as they wait for Jesus’ return (v 13). Paul reminds people that they must have confidence in ‘the grace of God’ so that their lives become evidence that the future is already here!

Thank you, God, that you call us to be united with all your people around the world. Help that unity to inspire us to be transformed by your grace.

In this passage we are faced with the tension between the grace of God, which, by definition, we don’t deserve, and our responsibility to choose to live a godly lifestyle. Paul makes it very clear that we cannot simply live as we like while relying on grace to save us.¹ At the same time, we are not saved by the things we do.² Put simply, the grace through which we are saved ‘teaches’ (v 12) us to live for God and to turn away from an ungodly lifestyle. 

No matter how far someone has gone from God, everyone is included in God’s offer of salvation. How wonderful to know that no one is exempt from this offer. All sorts of people can turn up in church, with all sorts of views and all sorts of lifestyles. Sometimes we can feel put out or put off by them – perhaps they don’t fit our mould – but we need to remind ourselves that Jesus came to redeem and purify, not just us, but them too. It is because of him that diverse people can be united in faith, hope and love. 

Saying ‘No’ to the things that tempt us is part of our growth and maturity in following Jesus. There are lots of things in the world that want to draw our attention and entice us from our walk of faith. Some of them are big and obvious, others are subtle and can creep up on us. We have to remain open to hearing the Holy Spirit prompt us and direct our choices. We are reassured that if we do mess up we can turn back to Jesus, saying ‘No’ once again to temptation and finding the help that we need to live for him.³

Allow God to inspect your life. Are there areas that are ungodly? If you need to get right with God today, you can be encouraged that you will find help. 

¹ Rom 6:1–4  ² Eph 2:8,9  ³ Heb 4:15,16