Articles
Times of Discord!
This week I will let the apostle Paul speak and stay mostly out of the way. The Bible is
such a wonderful book that addresses life in ways that are often surprising and always relevant.
God’s word is such a comfort.
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to
do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle
toward everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all
kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one
another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because
of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of
rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus
Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the
hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that
those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good”
(Titus 3:1-8).
I truly believe the authorities are doing their best to keep our citizens safe during a trying
time, and we should take their recommendations seriously. Christianity is not being singled out,
and we are not being told that we cannot do as God commands. We may just have to be creative
in how we interact with each other for a time. We should be on guard and make sure that what
we are doing is done out of love and not fear. Paul reminds us to be patient with those around us
who do not know God, we were once like them. As Christians we should be looking out for the
wellbeing of those around us. Let us keep our eyes open and look for opportunities to do good
whenever we can, and always point people to God. ~ Brad Tolbert
