October 27: Of the World and the Word

Jeremiah 51:1-53

Titus 2:1-15

Psalm 99:1-9

Proverbs 26:17

Can you imagine the uproar if a pastor were to preach Paul's words to Titus today?  I can imagine the flashpoints over such verses as "urging younger women…to be self-controlled and pure…and to be subject to their husbands".  Or "encourage the young men to be self controlled…[to] show soundness of speech that cannot be condemned."  Or how about this one: "Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them…"

It seems today's society couldn't be more different.  Foul language is not only acceptable, it is idealized - it's "honest" and "edgy".  Self control and purity are archaic; anything goes so long as it is consensual.  And truth is whatever you want it to be - because it's "your truth".  But while obscene language and bad behavior are no longer cause for outrage, society has found many replacements.  

Consider the verses above.  As difficult as it is for me to read about submission and slavery, I think the world (if it bothered to read Titus) would be triggered, and would then bring out the torches and pitchforks.  How then to understand Paul's words?

Context helps.   The verse on submission is perhaps best read in the context of Ephesians 5:24-25, where submission is companion to a husband who loves his wife "just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her".  This is not submission to dominance; it is submission to love and sacrifice, to a man who is supposed to put his wife first.   

And the verse about slavery?  No, it isn't a good place to be.  But context about bad situations can be found in the Bible.  In his book "The Red Sea Rules", Pastor Robert J Morgan's first rule for dealing with difficult, even impossible situations is this: Realize that God means for you to be where you are.  This is probably why, in Philippians 4:12, St Paul wrote "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."  This from a man who, when he found himself unjustly imprisoned - a worse situation, I suggest, than slavery - had the ability to sing songs of praise, joyfully.  

So much of the world takes joy in attacking the Bible, the order God has created, and the rules He gives us with which to enjoy His creation.  And yet, when one looks at the life the world prescribes, it so seldom seems to lead to happiness, to joy.  Context again - Matthew 7:15 ("Watch out for false prophets") and 20 ("Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them").  

Where does this all lead me today?  To choice.  When we read the Lord's Word, we can (a) follow the world, and take umbrage at archaic, chauvinistic and patriarchal norms that have no place in a modern society where inclusion and consent are all that matter; or (2) take His Word in the most important of contexts - that of the Creator of the universe who deigned to love us despite our sins, and who gave us the instruction manual with which to fully enjoy His creation.  

Father, the world is a seductive place.  When choosing between the world and Your Word, teach us to choose wisely.