Good, Excellent, and Profitable - Godly Behavior

"Today's Devotion" For February 17, 2006

Read: Titus 3:1-8; Psalm 15

GOOD, EXECELLENT, AND PROFITABLE - GODLY BEHAVIOR

"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. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." (Titus 3:8)

The headline blared its message: "Telephone scam nets $10million." The subheading announces, "Scheme collected donations for fake charities...8 people charged." When you see or hear such a headline, how do you feel? What do you think about those who perpetrated the scam? Are you glad that you had nothing to do with it - either being tricked into donating or carrying out the scam?

Of course, as we hear more about the scam, as the details are filled in, revulsion may begin to set in. It seems the perpetrators called all over the country, except in their own state of operation, seeking donations to help hospitalized veterans sharing toothbrushes, sheriff's deputies who can't afford their bulletproof vests, and troops in Iraq who need supplies. Such heart-rending accounts kept nearly 500,000 people on the line long enough to be convinced to make donations to "the cause." What's more, law enforcement authorities note that the scheme was well planned and executed by the perpetrators. They played on the heartstrings of caring, loving people to make a financial killing for themselves.

However each of us might respond, it begs the question, "Are we really surprised at this?" Since the Garden of Eden and Satan's temptation of Adam and Eve, deceit and lies have been a regular part of human existence. Human beings want more - more things, more power, more prestige, more riches - and are often willing to take advantage of others to get what they want. Deceit, lies, cheating, and stealing are prominent in our world as people interact with each other. The idolatry of greed and avarice works very hard to lead people away from Jesus. Satan's work in Eden was to deceive and lead our first parents away from God as he offered them more than they the "all" that they already had by God's hand. Throughout Scripture and the history of the world it's not too hard to see the idoatry of greed and avarice - and people succumbing to this idolatry and taking advantage of others.

To address the temptations which would lead us to take advantage of others, St. Paul reminds us that we have been called out of such a life and called into God's presence in Jesus Christ. Through the rebirth and renewal that is ours through the washing of Holy Baptism, we are thoroughly equipped to be people of faith who deal honestly and lovingly with others. Paul assures us that our sins are forgiven in Christ and that in His forgiveness we live fruitful and "wealthy" lives of faith and trust in God our Savior. We know, by faith, that in Baptism our Father in heaven gives us His presence and the power of His Spirit guides us in our service to Him. Rather than seeking to take things away from others, we seek to assure them that God loves them and is blessing them with every good thing from His bountiful hand. Rather than being slaves to greed and avarice, which would lead us to live lives of deceit and lovelessness, we are free from the curse of the Law, the power of Sin, and the wiles of Satan. We live today, and each day, as God's dearly beloved children caring for one each other and the world around us believing that true "Godly behavior" is good, excellent, and profitable for ourselves, but more importantly, for others.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for being greedy and selfish, seeking only my good, rather than the good of others. Forgive me for every deceitful action that would lead me to take advantage of others. Be with those who do such things in disobedience to Your Will and purpose and deliver them - and me - from the power of Sin and disobedience that they might live a "godly life," filled with everything good, excellent, and profitable. Father, let my life set an example of such living so that I might never "scam" anyone and all whom I meet might be touched by Jesus with His love and forgiveness. Hear my prayer, gracious Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.