No Ordinary People

Remind them to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Titus III Verses 1-2. Welcome to this daily encouragement from Our Daily Bread. No ordinary people. was written by Bill Crowder and read by Wes Ward.

Titus chapter three, verses one through eleven. 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 Saviour 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 Saviour.

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. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law. because these are unprofitable and useless.

Warn a divisive person once and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful. They are self-condemned. No ordinary people.

Written by Bill Crowder. The statement on the wall of my bank declares that its corporate principles could be summed up in a single word. Courtesy and how refreshing it was to find courtesy in the teller who helped me with my transaction there. In a harsh and unkind world, To be driven by courtesy is a big idea. We find this concept in the Apostle Paul's letter to his friend Titus.

He instructed Titus to remind his congregation to To speak evil of no one. to avoid quarreling. to be gentle and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. this idea of courtesy is also rendered as peaceable and considerate, or showing every consideration. How we treat others reveals whether we see them as image-bearers of God or not.

CS Lewis wrote of this in The Weight of Glory There are no ordinary people, he said. you have never talked to a mere mortal. Lewis anticipated eternity, where we'll either enjoy God's presence, or be banished from him for ever.

So, he reminds us it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit. Immortal horrors or everlasting splendors? May we allow the Spirit to enable us to treat those around us as what they truly are. Image bearers of God. Let's pray.

Dear God, it is so easy to get frustrated with people. Please give us a patient spirit and a heart of kindness. that we might treat everyone with dignity and courtesy. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name that we pray.

Amen. As you go about your day, Reflect on these questions. What effect does the absence of courtesy have on your interactions? How might you intentionally bring more courtesy into those interactions?