How can we emulate Titus' "earnestness" in our church community? A Snapshot of Titus’ Earnestness “For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.” (2 Corinthians 8:17) Paul commends Titus for three things packed into one short verse: • He readily “welcomed” the call to serve. • He approached the task “eagerly.” • He came “of his own volition,” without external pressure. Core Ingredients of Earnestness • Readiness – An openhearted “yes” to God’s prompting (Isaiah 6:8). • Eagerness – A joyful haste to act, mirroring Christ’s zeal (John 2:17). • Voluntariness – Service that flows from love, not compulsion (1 Peter 5:2). • Consistency – Following through until the work is done (Galatians 6:9). • Humility – Seeing ourselves as fellow servants, not celebrities (Philippians 2:3-4). Practicing Titus-Style Earnestness in the Local Church 1. Respond quickly when needs are announced. • Instead of “I’ll pray about it for a few weeks,” say, “Count me in—let’s pray as we go.” 2. Volunteer before being recruited. • Like Titus, step forward “of your own volition.” 3. Carry enthusiasm into the mundane. • Greet-team duty and nursery care merit the same zeal as platform ministry (Colossians 3:23). 4. Pair zeal with accountability. • Invite a brother or sister to ask, “How’s that project you started?” 5. Keep generosity tangible. • Titus was collecting relief funds (2 Corinthians 8:6). Plan regular giving drives, budget transparently, and celebrate God’s provision. Nurturing the Heart Behind the Deeds • Daily Scripture intake fuels earnestness (Jeremiah 15:16). • Prayer kindles desire to serve (Colossians 4:12-13). • Remember the gospel motive: Christ “gave Himself for us” (Titus 2:14); we gladly give ourselves for others. • Practise gratitude; thanksgiving turns duty into delight (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Guardrails to Protect Earnestness from Burnout • Sabbath rhythms: Jesus invited rest (Mark 6:31). • Shared leadership: Titus traveled with companions (2 Corinthians 8:18-19). Build teams, not lone rangers. • Regular soul-check: ask, “Am I serving from love or from longing for applause?” (Matthew 6:1). A Church Shaped by Earnest Servants When each member mirrors Titus—ready, eager, voluntary—needs are met, the gospel advances, and the world sees “your good deeds and glorifies your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). |
    |