Citizenship

 

As I teach migrants the details of citizenship, I am amazed how relevant the Bible is to everyday living. The Australian way of life was indeed influenced by the Bible (presently reading recent publication ‘The Bible in Australia’ M.Lake)

My reading of the Bible letter to Titus, by the Apostle Paul gives many highlights. I list a few:

Chapter 1:8 – wise and fair

      2;2 – self control, respect, love, patience.

      2;3 - not speaking evil of others, doing good.

      2:7 – Doing good deeds of every kind, Integrity.

      2:10 – Not stealing, trustworthy.

      2:14 – Committed to doing what is right.

3:1 – submitting to the government and its officers.

3:2 – true humility toward everyone.

3:8 – Being careful to do good deeds all the time

3:14 – ‘Our people should not have unproductive lives. They must learn to do good by helping others who have urgent needs.’

How can this work for people from different cultures??

Possible by God's favour...

“May God’s grace be with you all” (Titus 3:15 NLT)

In fact this letter to Titus explains how very well:

Chapter 3, verse3

"Once we too were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others and they hated us.

But then God our Saviour showed us His kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Saviour did. He declares us not guilty because of His great kindness. And now we know that we will inherit eternal life."

Oh how great is HIS mercy, love and grace