Recently I was part of a devotional discussion around Titus 3:14:
“And our people must also learn to lead in good works to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.” (LSB)
As I sat with this verse, a few truths about good works stood out to me:
1️⃣ Good works are a responsibility of all followers of Christ.
2️⃣ Good works must be taught and learned.
3️⃣ Good works meet the pressing needs of others—feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, helping the poor, offering emotional support, solving real problems.
4️⃣ Without doing good works that meet real needs, followers of Christ are unfruitful—wasting potential, failing to advance God’s purpose on earth.
This is weighty, especially when we consider the state of humanity globally—and right here in the U.S.
Today is July 4th, and many are frustrated or disillusioned with this country. But I want to caution followers of Christ against simply ranting or complaining. This is an opportunity for us to function as we should have all along—not depending on the government to do what God has called us to do, but heeding scripture and becoming the change agents and support system that demonstrate the gospel in action.
I hear people talk about boycotting this or that, but I rarely hear enough conversation about churches and believers partnering intentionally to establish systems, provide resources, and create opportunities for those in need.
Every church I’ve ever attended, I’ve wondered:
What about benevolence funds? Systems to care for our own—the homeless, elderly, widowed, orphaned, or simply those hitting hard times?
I think about Acts, where believers sold possessions to meet the needs of the community. Personally, I’ve been on both sides of this. I’ve been in need—and it wasn’t the American church that stepped in to help me, but unbelievers, a couple family members, and VERY few followers of Christ there who offered real support.
Other times, I’ve been the one to help others quietly—offering resources, making connections, even when I couldn’t give financially or provide shelter myself. And I’d always ask, “Does your church know your need?” Sadly, too often people said they were turned away, told they didn’t tithe enough, or just weren’t “in” with the right people.
Not all churches fail here. But many do.
And even in the best churches, there’s often a reactive mindset: waiting until someone hits rock bottom, or only helping those they already know and like.
Meanwhile, the world is shifting. Governments are shifting. Societies are in upheaval. None of this surprises me.
Rather than venting or spewing hatred, I want to challenge myself—and all of us—to ask:
✨ How will God use me as a disciple to live out His Word and be a resource for those who will be impacted by these changes?
✨ Will the church begin to function biblically and be the kind of community that truly meets pressing needs?
There are countless questions to wrestle with, problems needing solutions, and communities of believers who need to communicate and collaborate for real, forward movement.
My hope remains in the unchanging character of Christ, even as humanity proves fickle and often selfish.
So rather than just “Happy 4th of July,” consider this a clarion call to the body of Christ:
It’s time to rise up and truly BE the Church God has called us to be.
