“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Titus 2:14
There are a whole host of people in this world who claim to be Christians. However, there are even fewer who actually attain to live a Christ-like life. If each Christian would remember that Christ gave His life to redeem us, it should make a difference. But more than that, we are to become the “peculiar people, zealous of good works” that He has called us to be. “11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
The following hymn is a beautiful rendering of one’s heart. He obviously understood what is is like to not only desire to live a Christ-like life, but to acknowledge what it takes to do it. A full commitment from the heart.
Living for Jesus a Life That is True
Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1917)
Tune: C. Harold Lowden
1. Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
2. Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3. Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4. Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
The writer of this hymn understood that Jesus gave His life for him, thus making Christ his master. He recognized the importance of living a life pleasing to Jesus in all he did, willingly, wherever he was and in whatever he did, no matter what the cost. The author of this song was in good company. We can read of men in the Bible who declared themselves servants of Jesus Christ.
- “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ …” (Romans 1:1a).
- “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ …” (James 1:1a).
- “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ …” (2 Peter 1:1a).
- “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ …” (Jude 1:1a).
Many others’ lives recorded in the Bible revealed that they were servants of Jesus, living lives that pleased Him in what they did. They were recorded as examples for us to follow. Some of the most amazing lives were recorded in Hebrews chapter 11. All of those looked forward to Jesus’ coming because of God’s promise. That kind of faith is difficult to understand, yet those listed lived lives pleasing to God understanding that He would send Jesus. Today, we know Jesus came, revealing God’s grace. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). He then told us how to live for Him. “12. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13). Knowing how to live in this present world, we must remember why. “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Jesus gave Himself for us so that we could be a “peculiar people, zealous of good works.” We are to live lives revealing Jesus in this world.
Have you decided to not only claim to be a Christian, but become a servant of Jesus Christ, living a life that is true for Him?