The Way We Were
Scripture Reading — Titus 3:1-8
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions …
Titus 3:3
None of us are the way we were. Time does that to us. We don’t look the way we did when we were babies; we don’t act the way we did when we were children; we may not even look the same as a year ago.
We’re always changing spiritually too. But that change can give us much to celebrate. “At one time,” writes Paul to his friend Titus, “we … were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved.” If we are honest, all of us were once that way. Reflecting on time past has a way of holding our sin before our eyes.
Time works against us physically. Cute babies become awkward teens. Adults may lose their hair or their athletic shape. Age chips away at our health and beauty. But time can work for us spiritually. As time passes, we hopefully grow more mature. We lose some of our foolishness, we learn to control ourselves, we are not so gullible, and we can throw off the shackles of conformity to enjoy the freedom of being ourselves in Jesus. When it comes to spiritual growth, time is on our side.
Now is the time to let God work in your life. If you must settle something in your past, do it today. Use your time each day to nurture positive relationships with others and with God. Today is the time for a new beginning.
Dear God, when I look in the mirror, I see lots of physical changes. Thank you for making me look better in your mirror through Jesus. In his name, Amen.
About the author — Jack Gray
Jack Gray recently retired after forty years as a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church. During that time he served seven churches from coast to coast in the United States. He and his wife, Wanda, have four sons and three grandchildren. They also have ministered to 44 foster children. This month’s devotions are inspired by his reflections on time at this transition in his life.
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