Can’t Do Anything Right

Text: Titus 1:10-16
Theme: Unbelievers in Christ can do nothing that is truly good.
Key verses: “For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach–and that for dishonest gain” (v. 11). “To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestible, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good” (. 15-16).
What God said to me: Dwayne, some things aren’t so obvious. Some things–like motives of the heart, for example–must be spiritually discerned. Paul was cutting to the chase, so to speak. These Cretans he was referring to were no doubt likable people, and their prophets were influential because they most likely taught popular and logical ideas. Just so happens their hearts were wicked and their motives were rooted in greed. When the well is poisoned, then everything that comes from the well is poison. LIkewise your heart. When your heart and mind are pure and clean, then whatever comes out will be pure and clean. But if you’re like the Cretans, then everything that comes out of your mouth is poisonous because it flows from a deceitful heart. The body only does what the heart and mind dictate. Thus, nothing you do can ultimately be good unless it springs from a good source inside you.
What I said to God: Thank You, Father, for reminding me of the source of my actions and the test for what is truly good and acceptable behavior. I know it is our heart that you look at; it is our motives that really matter. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.