Titus 3:14 (KJV)
And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
The commentaries tend to spend a good deal of time discussing what “maintain good works” means. In particular, they often consider whether it refers to learning a trade, a craft, or a skill.
The Jews, as I understand it, believed that if a man was not taught a trade, it was as good as teaching him to steal. Therefore, they taught—even their doctors of the law—a trade. Paul is an example of this. He was a learned Pharisee, brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, yet also trained in the trade of tent making.
I find that idea striking—that a man who teaches but has never practiced what he teaches could, in a sense, be considered dishonest. Consider the college professor who has never truly practiced the trade he claims to teach. One might say he takes payment for something he has never proven.
I found one quote especially helpful. In Gill’s commentary:
“The Jews say, there are four things which a man should constantly attend to with all his might, and they are these: the law, good works, prayer, and the way of the earth, or business; if a tradesman, to his trade; if a merchant, to his merchandise; if a man of war, to war.”
The Law
This refers to the Word of God. Every Christian ought to be proficient in the Scriptures. I would also extend this to include respect for civil authority. Every Christian ought to be law-abiding.
Good Works
This speaks of being kind, charitable, and helpful—a good citizen in both church and community.
Prayer
No work accomplishes what it ought without the blessing of God. A good worker is, first and foremost, a man of prayer.
Business
Whatever a man’s occupation, he ought to attend to it diligently and not be slothful.
In doing these things, a man becomes fruitful.
I have certainly met many unfruitful people, both in the church and outside it, because they do not (or will not) give attention to one or more of these areas.
#MaintainGoodWorks #FruitfulChristianLiving #BiblicalWorkEthic #FaithInAction #Titus314
Are You Truly Fruitful? The 4 Missing Disciplines That Lead to an Unfruitful Life
If this challenged your thinking, I’d love to hear from you—which of these four areas do you need to strengthen most: the Word, good works, prayer, or your daily work? Leave a comment and join the conversation.
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