Have you ever forgotten something of importance? Have you ever missed an appointment? Or forgotten to do a much needed task? Have you ever been oblivious to something you have neglected only to find yourself later saying , “I completely forgot about that.”
There are some things in life that we continually need to be reminded about! No matter how well we may know an idea or truth, we still do occasionally forget. We need reminders.
I was reminded of this need recently while teaching the mid-week Men’s & Women’s Bible studies at our church.
In Titus 3:1-2 Paul writes:
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
Paul tells Titus to be sure to remind the church of these things. Really? These are not big doctrinal issues. These are not truths which we cannot afford to compromise. No, they are not. But they are characteristics of a true godly attitude. And if there is anything that needs a reminder, it is our attitudes.
Many church people have known and affirmed what the Bible teaches for years – since they were children. And they need no reminder of ‘who Jesus is?’ or of ‘what the Bible is?’ or of ‘how we can be forgiven of our sins?’ But what we all need to be reminded of is our attitudes! Honestly, some times my attitude is really bad. Sometimes my attitude stinks! This is not good nor right. Often we focus so heavily on good works being our witness to the world. We regularly remind ourselves that we are the salt and light of the world. Yet we fail to remember that our attitude is our witness too! A grumpy church person is a bad witness. A judgmental Christian is a bad witness. A rude follower of Christ is a bad witness. Our attitude means a lot!
Paul, the great theologian, apostle, missionary is right! We need to be reminded of these things!
With all our zeal to represent Christ, may not forget that our attitudes represent Jesus too!