“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age,”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Immediately before today’s verse, Paul discusses how slaves ought to behave as followers of Christ. He said they should “submit to their masters in everything”, “be well-pleasing”, “not talking back”…

This is certainly unpalatable in today’s world. I don’t think anyone should ever be enslaved.

However, in Paul’s world, slavery was common and acceptable. In other books, the Bible discusses an Israelite’s option to become a slave voluntarily. If they are destitute with no place to live or are under a the weight of a huge debt, for instance. But those were mutual agreements that had time limits. I don’t know. I still think it ends up horribly whenever one person controls another.

In today’s verse, Paul concludes by saying, “…in the present age.” I am to live sensibly for my era, for my society, for my world. For the people of Paul’s age, living sensibly included being an obedient slave. And it included older women encouraging young women to love and submit to their husbands. It included a few more things that don’t seem that sensible today.

I love that Paul used the word sensible. I am not supposed to turn off my brain when I meditate on God’s word. God’s grace instructs me in how to live righteously, in a godly way, and sensibly in the world I live in.

Dear God,

Thank you for the reminder that my good sense counts for something. Your Spirit lives in me and speaks to me about your intentions when I read and contemplate your word. Teach me to listen carefully. Teach me how to interpret your will correctly and sensibly for this day and age.