Message from Scripture: 3/16/2021

Our message from Scripture today is Titus 3:14. “Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.”

When asked how a cow gets lost, a rancher replied, "Well, the cow starts nibbling on a tuft of green grass, and when it finishes, it looks ahead to the next tuft of green grass, and when it finishes, it looks ahead to the next tuft of green grass and starts nibbling on that one, and then it nibbles on a tuft of grass right next to a hole in the fence.  It then sees another tuft of green grass on the other side of the fence, so it nibbles on that one and then goes on to the next tuft.  The next thing you know, the cow has nibbled itself into being lost!"

The cow nibbled itself into being lost.  Small steps away from its field become significant when a cow cannot find its way back, or when it ends up as a traffic statistic. 

It is possible for us to nibble our way into being lost. Paul reminded Titus Christians need to be devoted to good works, to be fruitful in service to God. It is easy, though, to ease away from this by nibbling on thoughts and actions focused on ourselves. How do we know if we are nibbling on sin, drifting away from our spiritual focus?  Ask some basic questions.  “Am I faithful in attendance, or do weeks go by with my being absent?  How often do I pray?  Do I read and study the Bible regularly, or infrequently?  Are spiritual values important to me, or do worldly activities take priority?”  Examining where we are, and identifying what is happening, are key elements in overcoming the influence of sin and renewing our commitment to God.  As Paul exhorts, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith" (2 Cor. 13:5).  Let’s find eternal life, rather than nibbling on sin and facing judgment. Have a great day today. God bless.

Robert