Maintain Good Works

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"…those who have believed in God will be careful to engage in good deeds…" - (Titus 3:8, NASB)

   There is an old expression that goes something like this: It's not how you start, it's how you finish. That may be true for a number of things in life, but it is most certainly true for Christians. As Christians, we often start with a flash, filled with energy and passion. But over time, the fire within us slows to a smoldering heap, and we become merely a puff of smoke. I have been there myself. And sadly, over the years, I have seen many good men and women of God do the same. There are any number of reasons this happens, although the root is usually the same: We have allowed sin to remain. All of us sin, even as Christians. However, it is what we do after sin that matters. Do we cling to it and allow its poison to choke the life from us, or will we deal honestly before God about it?
   You may be asking yourself, "How does this connect with our focus verse?" I am not rambling (at least not too much). Many times Christians allow themselves to get "busy" while living in this world. Pursuits such as relationships, jobs, families, personal obligations, and hobbies are not sinful in-and-of themselves, but they can pull us away from our involvement in the things of God. Our personal Bible reading and study, prayer, and church involvement are often accurate indicators of how we are doing. In this verse, Paul reminds Titus to "engage in" or "maintain"(NKJV) good works. In essence, Paul encourages Titus to remain diligent in the godly pursuits of this life, and prioritize them in light of God's Word. The pursuit of God in your life should be priority number one. If seeking after God ranks anywhere else than first in your life, you are in trouble. Once we have removed God from first place in our life, we have begun removing Him from any place in our life. 
   I want to encourage you today. Some days are easier than others, I admit, but each is important. As you begin each new day, determine that you will place the things of God as your first and most important priority. As you make Him first, you will find that you have the time, energy, strength, and determination to accomplish every other task. Plus, you will find it much easier to stay right before God.

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