Productive Lives

“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.” (Titus 3:14)

When God created Adam and placed him in the Garden of Eden, he gave Adam work to do (see Genesis 2:15). Even in the perfect Garden of Eden, human beings weren’t to just sit around. 

God wants you to live a productive life! Sadly, that’s not always the mindset that Christians have. We know that we are saved by God’s grace, and not by the righteous things that we do (Titus 3:4-5). When we hear that, there’s a voice inside each of us that says, “Great! So it doesn’t matter how I live.” Or, “Great! So I don’t have to do anything.” Does salvation by grace mean that how we live doesn’t matter?

No! The opposite is true. If your life were in danger, and if someone were to step in, save your life, and die in your place, your life would never be the same. Instead, you would view every day as a blessing. You would strive every day to live your life to the fullest to honor the person who gave their life for you.

That’s what Jesus has done for you and me! When we were headed on the path to hell, Jesus stepped in, saved us, and died in our place. How could our lives ever be the same? 

Like Adam in the perfect Garden of Eden, God has called you to live a productive life. God wants all of us to learn to devote ourselves to doing what is good. Each day has meaning. Each day has purpose!

Where should we start? Don’t make it complicated. Look for where you can step in and “provide for urgent needs.” Look for needs in the world that God has given you the abilities to fulfill. Often you don’t have to look outside your own family and current occupation. Whom can you help today? Maybe it’s your child or your mother or father.

Maybe it’s a customer or your manager. Maybe it’s a stranger you pass on the street or your own spouse. Devote yourself to doing what is good and be productive.

Productivity can be measured in many different ways. Here’s a Christian’s two-fold goal: Glory to God and the salvation of souls. That’s what really matters. Live a productive life, all to God’s glory.

Dear Lord Jesus, each day is a gift from you. You have redeemed my life from sin so that I might live my life for you. Lead me to be productive today in providing for the needs of others. Amen.

Pastor Nathan