"while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ," Titus 2:13

Waiting is not passive. Waiting is not a disappointment nor an indication of failure. The promise is clear. Jesus, the most worthy of our waiting is returning. In the waiting, rest assured for this hope.

Waiting is a season to courageously live in faith for the blessings to come. 

"it teaches us to say 'no' to ungodliness, and worldly passions, to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." Titus 2:12

We wake up tired and have no energy and desire to do what is right. So it is easy to live in the flow of the day and our feelings.  But remember God's salvation calls us differently.

Say no to the ways of the world and yes to the ways of God. 

"For the grace of God that brings us salvation has appeared to all men." Titus 2:11

In the midst of it, there appears to be no end to indulging in sinful habits and addictions. No end to the cycle of satisfying our own desires and then regretting it immediately. The grace of God has already come to set us free from this.

We have no other words than to say to our gracious God,
"I'm sorry and thank you."

"and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive." Titus 2:10

People see the work we do and how we do it. They then form opinions about your character and the type of employee you are. Trust can be easily lost but hard to be regained.

Let our lives preach what we believe and who we belong to - our Saviour God.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing" Philippians 2:14

I find myself most prone to complaining and arguing when I'm tired or frustrated a situation hasn't gone my way. Or even when I don't immediately react this way, I find myself later complaining to those around me. I'm learning to share and surrender these moments to God, knowing that he sees it all and will bring justice.

Even in my weakest moments,
God calls me to be careful and holy with my speech and demeanor.

"for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Philippians 2:13

There are things that I want to do. And there are things that God wants to do in me. Do these two marry together? Remember his purposes are good, they are good for us.

Surrender myself to God
so I am not blindly doing things of my own accord.

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence but now much more in my absence - continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling," Philippians 2:12

It is a blessing to have leaders and mentors walking with us. However, they cannot attain salvation for us, nor can we diligently follow Christ when they are around. After all, it is our individual journey with God that counts.

In reverence, keep fighting to live in accordance with what salvation brings.