“Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” (Titus 3.8)

New Testament Challenge, Day 34 – Titus and Philemon

Christmas is only one week away and our conscience might be heavy to do something nice for someone in need. This is because the love of God is in our hearts. The debate between good works and faith is alive in well in Christianity. Some say we are saved by faith alone while others say that good works are necessary for salvation. The reality is that both are required because you can’t have one without the other.

For Saint Paul salvation wasn’t something that was guaranteed. He always wanted us to remember how the disobedient Jews were removed from the Church because they didn’t bear fruit.

“Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.” (Romans 11.20-21)

 This is why he warns us in today’s readings to maintain our good works.

There are several references to works as they relate to our faith:

“They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” (Titus 1.16)

“In all things showing yourself to be a patter of good works.” (Titus 2.7)

“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” (Titus 3.1-2)

“Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” (Titus 3.8)

“And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” (Titus 3.14)

It’s almost Christmas and soon we will welcome the Incarnate Word of God into the world. Do you want Him to find you lazy and unfruitful in your faith or do you want Him to find you a “good and faithful servant?” (Matthew 25.21) The choice is yours.