Renewing Our Spirits

When I am lead to a scripture, either as a part of a church lesson or a “memory scripture” I usually find myself reading the whole chapter (and sometimes more) so that I can get a better handle on the context; and, therefore, the meaning of the passage.,

Today I was led to think about spiritual strength. How do we “renew our spirits”?, and found direction in this chapter of the book of Titus.

Titus 3 (New International Version)

Doing What is Good
1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,
2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3At 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.
4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
5he 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,
6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
8This 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. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.
11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

This chapter of Paul’s letter to Titus provides such a do-able way of renewing the spirit. He first reminds us of some of the basic concepts of Christian behavior.
...to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to be obedient,
to be ready to do whatever is good,
2to slander no one,
to be peaceable and considerate, and
to show true humility toward all men.

In our humility we must remember that we come with a past lest we get too big headed and judgmental of our brothers and sisters:
3At 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.

He then reminds us that it is not our responsibility to “save” ourselves; that we have already been bought with a price and left with a comforter.
5he 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,
6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life

Paul encourages us to behave towards our church families in ways that promote peace and understanding rather than dissention:
9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

Sometimes the road to peace and renewal is so simple we miss it.

May God Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!!!