Titus 3 - Why Before What

All through Titus, we are reading critical elements about what the Word of God brings. It always brings the truth, sound doctrine. It models and encourages good behavior. And finally, it corrects and rebukes undesirable behavior. Three critical elements of the Word of God delivers. 

Here in Titus 3, we see Paul delivering a key message that came centuries later with Simon Sinek. Simon packaged up this teaching and provided a great book, and then Ted talk called Start with Why. Simon pressed into and reminded us that when selling something, casting vision, or leading people in any direction, we must start with Why. Why deliveries inspiration, Simon believes the key to success is dependent on standing for something higher. We must have a “why” that drives what we do and how we do it.

“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.” - ‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It should not surprise us that Paul comes out of the gate by reminding people. A critical part of leadership is reminding. I wrote about this the last time I journaled about Titus, being the Chief Reminding Officer. Part of being the CRO is guiding people back to their Why. But if you continue, something fundamental is brought into this discussion. 

“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.” - ‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul makes the shift from always be gentle towards everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedience, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures... You see, this is the Why before the What. If people do not understand the message and the love of Jesus Christ, then how can we expect them to act a certain way? Paul reminds Titus how they acted and what they did before they started following Jesus. This is a guide for us to how we lead and navigate non-believers. Transformation happens internally before external. 

Here is the “Start with Why” 

“But when the kindness and love of God, our Savior 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 Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” - ‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:4-7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And Paul says;

“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.” - ‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Don’t get trapped and caught up in the “What,” or the trivial things people want to argue about;

“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” - ‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lead and guide with vision. Start with Why! There is no greater Why than that of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The greatest sacrifice and love offering ever that is a gift to you and me. May we continually be reminded that he saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy. God poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Amen