Uplift

Just south of my hometown is the town of Dansville. It lies in a valley between two rolling hills. Because of the hills it is perfect for updrafts of air, so you could frequently see hang gliders sliding through the skies. During the fall I’m sure it would have been gorgeous to have been surfing the uplifted breezes, looking down at all the orange, reds, and yellows of the autumn forests.

Experienced hang-glider pilots can take off from a slight slope or a steep mountain top and fly for hours. They look for micro/meteor/o/logical changes to gain lift so that they can stay aloft. These changes include rising columns of hot air (thermals) found over places that take in plenty of sunlight, like sand or pavement. Often times, you can locate these currents by watching the birds, particularly seagulls or hawks. Pilots also look for updrafts of air deflected by ridges (ridge lifts) to provide additional lift. Upward currents of air between two mountain ridges, called wave currents, can provide additional lift as well. An experienced pilot tries to avoid turbulent air, which can slow the glider and cause it to tumble, and such obstacles as power lines and tall structures.[1]

Using these thermal and ridge uplifts, birds have been known to be able to soar for 4-6 hours. Interestingly, it is the same types of currents that cause air travels to feel turbulence that actually enable birds and gliders to stay aloft.

This morning we will begin to take a look at some of the truths of the Bible that help us as believers, rise above and even use the turbulence of our lives to have peace and be examples of Christ to others around us.

“Do Gooders”

Ironically, if you or I are called “do gooder’s” it would feel like an insult. Maybe it started on the playground, “He’s a goody-goody”. You may be called a bleeding heart as well, but either way, the general connotation is that it is not a good thing. What a shame!

The biblical truth that I would like to examine today is “one who loves what is good”

Titus 1:8 NIV

Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

In the short book of Titus, the idea of doing good is mentioned 8 times. I suspect that Paul had something to tell Titus about being and doing those things that are good.

In the NT we learn about a man who was left in a very difficult nation. He was left there intentionally to demonstrate the contrast that Christianity offered to a cutthroat and rough people. In fact, although Crete is not mentioned in the OT, it is usually assumed that the Cherethites of David’s bodyguard were Cretans. Crete is associated with the Philistines. We are well aware of their history – Goliath and his brothers, frequent warfare, and their god, dagon.[2]

Titus 1:5 NIV

The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Titus 1:12–13 NIV

One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith

Paul had little good to say about the people of Crete, quoting one of their own poets as saying they were “liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons” (Ti 1:12). Epi/men/ides’ statement, “all Cretans are liars,” is known as the Epimenides Paradox—since Epimenides himself was a Cretan and thus may have been lying.[3]

So, what’s the point? The point is this – you and I are not the first people to live in a difficult time, place, and people. Because of Titus and the gospel, the very culture of Crete changed.

But the gospel must have made quite a difference there, for today the name of Titus is honored in many villages, churches, and monasteries.[4]

In this little letter, Paul passes on some wonderful characteristics of the Gospel that ought to be obvious in the lives of believers.

For Goodness Sake!

A recent study reported on how people felt after performing or observing kind acts every day for seven days. Participants were randomly assigned to carry out at least one more kind act than usual for someone close to them, an acquaintance or stranger, or themselves, or to try to actively observe kind acts. Happiness was measured before and after the seven days of kindness. The researchers found that being kind to ourselves or to anyone else — yes, even a stranger — or actively observing kindness around us boosted happiness.[5]

The Heavenly Father is Pleased When We Do Good

Goodness is a mysterious term that communicates a sense of delight and fathomless depth-a glad mystery. A review of the words goodness or good as found in the Bible quickly reveals the reason for this: goodness in the Bible is God himself. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are good, do good and create good. God’s people are not good in themselves but become capable of doing good through the empowerment of God’s Spirit and the presence of God in their lives through Jesus Christ.[6]

Psalm 15 NIV

A psalm of David. Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

The goodness of God is rooted in the very nature of God. Just like it is the nature of water to be wet or fire to be hot, God is good. This characteristic is not changeable or diminishing, nor does it have a beginning or an end. When Moses requests to see the glory of God, God replies, “I will make all my goodness pass before you.” But “you cannot see my face; for man shall not see me and live” (Ex 33:19–20 RSV). God’s goodness is here an image of mystery, transcending human comprehension.[7]

Christians Should Be Described as Good

Good is refreshing. Earlier this week I reposted on Facebook a number of pictures and short captions that told the story of many good people of all backgrounds helping other people. Some were young people helping and befriending the old. Others did kind acts like hold an umbrella over a marine in his dress blues. Others were strangers helping one another tie a tie, rock a baby, or mow a lawn. It encouraged me to hear that PJ and Sherry were helped by a passerby when their tire blew on their way to go camping.

Titus 2:7 NIV

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness

These are the qualities that believers should be demonstrating in their lives to others that are around them.

Titus 1:8 NIV

Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

Titus 2:3 NIV

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

In one of the earliest descriptions of Christians, Justin Martyr wrote to the emperor of Rome –

They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others and yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers. They marry, as do all others; they beget children; but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death and restored to life. They are poor yet make many rich; they are in lack of all things and yet abound in all; they are dishonored and yet in their very dishonor are glorified. They are evil spoken of and yet are justified; they are reviled and bless; they are insulted and repay the insult with honor; they do good yet are punished as evildoers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life; they are assailed by the Jews as foreigners and are persecuted by the Greeks; yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred. To sum it all up in one word -- what the soul is to the body, that are Christians in the world.[8]

Christians are different. Christians become salt and light by their goodness.

We are Not Born Good, but Goodness Can Be Learned

As the letter to Titus turns from chaper 2 to chapter 3 (of course, Paul didn’t use the chapter divisions) we see an emphasis on cultivating goodness into their lives. Paul uses words like “eager to do good” or “ready to do good” -

Titus 2:14 NIV

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Titus 3:1 NIV

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,

Later on we see Paul put emphasis on devoting themselves to doing good –

Titus 3:8 NIV

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Titus 3:14 NIV

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Oftentimes we get concerned because we understand that good works will not get us into Heaven. This is true, it is only by faith in Jesus that we are saved by our salvation should be followed by good works. There is a continual battle that is waging between good and evil. Most of us have heard this parable, based on a Native American proverb,

A tribal elder is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he says to the boy.

“It is a terrible fight and it is between two dogs. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”

He continues, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asks his grandfather, “Which dog will win?”

The chief simply replied,“The one you feed.”

Remember…Feed Your Good Dog, so your good dog always wins!

A Few Ways You Can Be Devoted to Doing Good

Learning how to be good

· Study the Bible

· In marriage

· In parenting

· Meditate on the Word of God (not “Loving Kindness Meditation”)

Be Good by Serving

· The heart of a servant

· Video

· Find a need, meet a need

Be Filled with the Spirit – We all need help to change

Uplift Our Lives with Goodness

It has become cliche to say that 2020 has been a very difficult year. I could provide a long list of stressors, but it isn’t worth it. We need to be UPLIFTED! Not apathetic. Not fearful. Not unreasonably or illogically optimistic – just people who know that there is King who is seated on His throne.

A 2015 study published in the Clinical Psychological Sciencejournal found that helping others can relieve stress. While it was a small study, the results were eye-opening.

77 adults between the ages of 18 and 44 participated in the study. Each night, they received an automated call reminding them to complete a daily questionnaire.

The questionnaire asked participants about stressful events in their day, such as their commute, responsibilities at home and work, and finances.

Participants were also asked to keep track of their helpful behaviors, any small acts of kindness they did, and the emotions associated with these behaviors.

The researchers found that participants who performed more daily acts of kindness were less likely to feel stressed. On days when they could not complete any acts of kindness, participants reported more stress and negativity.

We have the ability, capacity, and commission to do good, so let’s do it! It will change the world, and, maybe more importantly, change you!

[1] Freuddenrich, Craig, PH. D., “How Hang Gliding Works”. www.adventure.howstuffworks.com. Accessed Sept 30, 2020.

[2] Bush, F. W. (1979–1988). Crete. In G. W. Bromiley (Ed.), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised (Vol. 1, p. 813). Wm. B. Eerdmans.

[3] Krause, M. S. (2016). Crete. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

[4] Elwell, W. A., & Comfort, P. W. (2001). In Tyndale Bible dictionary (p. 333). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

[5] Brondick, Melissa, Med. “The heart and science of kindness”. Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-heart-and-science-of-kindness-2019041816447. Accessed October 3, 2020.

[6] Ryken, L., Wilhoit, J., Longman, T., Duriez, C., Penney, D., & Reid, D. G. (2000). In Dictionary of biblical imagery (electronic ed., pp. 343–344). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

[7] Ryken, L., Wilhoit, J., Longman, T., Duriez, C., Penney, D., & Reid, D. G. (2000). In Dictionary of biblical imagery (electronic ed., p. 344). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

[8] “What Were Early Christians Like”. Christianity.com. https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1-300/what-were-early-christians-like-11629560.html. Accessed October 3, 2020

[9] The New International Version. (2011). (Tt 1:8–3:14). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.