Knowledge of the Truth, in Accord with Godliness

This meditation is based on a passage for March 10, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Titus 1:1-16

Reflection and Question: When I was young, a pejorative kids would throw at one another comes from this opening of Paul’s letter to his colleague, Titus, who is on a mission to Crete. I grew up thinking that Cretans were stupid and slow, but that is tame compared to what Paul says of them here. It is probable that “Cretan” would have entered our insult vocabulary via this passage since we all went to Sunday school somewhere. But, Paul’s judgment of Cretans was never gospel truth. We should instead focus on the truth Paul does offer that is in accordance with godliness. How do you differentiate between the godly and the corrupt?

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, make us lovers of goodness who are prudent, upright, devout and self-controlled. May we grasp Your teaching and live by sound doctrine. Strengthen our hope in eternal life though knowing Your grace and peace. Amen.