Adorning the Gospel

showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior (Titus 2:10b)

God wants us to show off the Gospel.

At the heart of this command to slaves is this principle that applies to all of us: the gospel - the "doctrine of God" to which Paul refers - is something that our lives should adorn, or show off.

John Piper illustrates this in a memorable way. The Gospel, he says, is like a pretty girl, and our works are the necklace that adorns her. The problem with us is that sometimes we get it backwards and think the gospel adorns us, showing us off - but that's not the case at all. Read the short book of Titus for the theme of good works and you'll see how clear Paul makes the truth: because of our justification, our lives should be filled with good works, especially in times of urgent need, that adorn or show off the Gospel. And, he says, avoid all sorts of meaningless arguments to focus on these good works.

So hang in there today. Seek those good works that show off the Gospel!