What a Signature!
Part One—Being Responsible

“Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, [mine] own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.” (Titus 1:1-4 AV)

When we write a letter we usually sign it on the bottom. It makes more sense to tell the reader who is writing up front. Paul followed the more logical pattern, and in those introductions there are some wonderful images. His introduction to Titus is one such gem.

Paul was a servant of God. Oh, how important it is that we see ourselves in this role. Understanding our duty helps to hold us accountable. We might endure great hardship at work to secure a paycheck. We all know if the house chores are not looked after things will soon fall apart. Why I have seen men sacrifice their own flesh to stretch a single into a double during a church softball game. We are able to accomplish these tasks because we understand our responsibility to do so.

We are servants of God. A servant of God has responsibilities. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 AV). Now here is something to ask, “Is a paycheck or a double worthy to be compared with treasure in heaven?” Of course they are not. Yet we sometimes look on our spiritual duties as unimportant.

Paul never lost sight of his role. He wanted to live his entire life as faithful as he could. Sure he was tempted as we are, but he continually worked to transform his mind. He encouraged us to do the same when he wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2 AV).

We must never lose sight of our role. I don’t know what role God has for you in this life, but whatever it is, please attend to it carefully. We all have the responsibility to live Godly. We all have the responsibility to love. We all have the responsibility to fulfill our spiritual duties. Remember the house will fall down if no care is given.

Think about Paul, what glories he must be experiencing in the presence of Christ. It is not possible to comprehend such wonders. However, God gives us hints when He describes it as place without pain, sorrow, or tears (Rev 21.4). Paul is enjoying his eternal rest now. He worked hard and remained faithful because he never lost sight of his role as a servant of God.

It is easy to lose our way when we forget the goal. The paycheck is always on our minds because of the need to survive. The house chores get our attention because we can see the mess each time we enter the house. Pride drives us to hurl our fragile bodies on flesh-eating rocks just so we can say take that. However, heaven is not so tangible.

However, we must make heaven more tangible. To do so requires meditation. Paul said, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain [it]. And everyone who competes [for the prize] is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a perishable crown, but we [for] an imperishable [crown]. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as [one who] beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring [it] into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NKJV) Are you striving for that imperishable crown?

My dear friend, take some time and start a letter to Jesus. What would you put as your introduction? Would you call yourself a servant of God? Would you call yourself a faithful servant? Is your goal clear to you? The stakes are much higher than a paycheck.

Someday, if we remain faithful, God will reward us. Cement that thought in your mind, and be faithful to your spiritual duties. Amen