Attempting to Understand

    Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
(Titus 3:1-9 ESV)

As ministers of the Gospel, we must be committed to a lifestyle of good works.  Not with the intentionality of proving our faith or even gaining our faith, but simply as response to our faith.  In verse 8 it tells us that everyone benefits from the good works we perform.  Some things in life are lawful, but may not be good.  Some things are important, but may not be worthy because others do not benefit from them.  Our lives in ministry should not just be full of good morals, but also good quality.  Worship ministry should not just be done with great intention, but also done with great skill.  For its in the good that everyone benefits.

If I am good at home, my family will benefit.  If I am good in my neighborhood, my neighbors will benefit.  If I am good in society, the culture around me will change.  If I am a good worship leader, or if the worship ministry I lead is good, everyone in my congregation will benefit.

I know it seems like a hard line and in some instance these premises may not be 100% true.  But that may have nothing to do with the “good” in something.  The goal in ministry that Paul encourages is to do good works.  Let us be people who lives are filled with these things, so that the lives of those around us will improve.