I recently watched a man make an etching. He has different scraps of rubber and wood which he carved and then shaped into an image. He then broke the pieces apart and painted different colors on each before assembling them together again. The end of the process involved cover the design with a thin canvas and passing the heavy roller over it. The event took time and effort beyond my skill level. He then did it all over again with different colors until a mosaic was formed from a single pattern.
The Church is Sound Together
The church broadcasts the same kind of art. Many pieces, put together, different parts of the pattern, constructing a single design. While we each grow in our particular, individual giftedness—the part of the prism God designed us to shine, we are yet held together in one etching board. Titus has something to offer in that regard.
The church offers one expectation of lifestyle—Christlikeness. However, the varied gifts show up differently in each person. But the lifestyle, the Christ-centered pattern for life, brings us back to the etching. What is carved into a Christian so to make them one no matter the unique gifts (colors)?
Titus commands the young men “to be an example” for a way of life expected of all Christians. But he calls out the young men, a) because of the challenge and difficulties they may face in owning this, b) because their pattern will result in a cultural shift in the next season of church life, c) for sincere discipleship, and d) because all members are likewise called.
The Lord calls the church keep “purity of doctrine,” to be “dignified,” and to be “sound in speech” (Titus 2:7–8). Though acting as one, each individual member will need personal investment in exercising how they will be pure in their own life, show their new dignity, and personally carry out soundness. How do you be “sound in speech”?
The Church Member is Sound
We now enjoy the personal teaching of truth (pure doctrine) and application of Christ’s riches (gifted spiritual dignity). Yet, we also get to enjoy the living out of these two faith gifts in our walk. The pastors of old wrote of our countenance, as the way we carry ourselves, our demeanor, how we engage conversations, react and respond to circumstances and people. The shape of our stamp on the world. We must be sound in our countenance, in our walk.
As the world presses against you, does the color of your individual life show up as the etching stamp of Christ as one with the rest of the church?
The depiction of sound speech isn’t just about the words we say but our whole countenance. Let us consider two questions we can ask to help us in soundness:
First: Is my lifestyle an “adornment” to the truths God gave me (Titus 2:10)? The Lord uses the word adornment not for mere decoration, but as a way of marking a new and special occasion. Like a woman walking down the street in a wedding dress—you expect her to be going to or coming from a wedding ceremony. The clothing speaks to the event. The way we carry ourselves ought to reflect the gospel truths which have changed our life in such a drastic way. Have my appetites changed? Am I disciplined in my body? Am I disciplined in my humor and speech? How can I ensure that my lifestyle choices reflect the doctrines I profess?
Second: Is my lifestyle filled with zeal for others to see His truth (Titus 2:14)? The motivation for our lifestyle ought to be an enjoyment of new life—we get to wear the stamp of Christ in our own shade, hue, color. We taste and see in our own daily lives how His imprint takes form. But the word zeal communicates a shared experience. A compulsion to make known, to celebrate with others. We live in such a way as to display the truth of Christ’s teaching to a world that needs those good works. Are you ready to prove why works in the name of Christ are better and more satisfying than the works of the world? If so, it means you no longer want to be satisfied with worldly works. But you are adamant to demonstrate why such works fail and Christ’s truth succeeds.
Let us adorn ourselves and zealously work for the good of others—rooted in the saving grace of Christ Jesus stamped in His people.
Pastor Chris
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