I was recently listening to a podcast in which one of the topics presented to the audience was about thinking, specifically thinking in terms of ‘both/and’ or ‘either/or’. ‘Both/and’ thinking sees things more in the gray - terms are not usually clear, they can be fluid. Thinking in this way can provide more freedom or can lead one feeling frustrated that nothing can be exact or sure. With ‘either/or’ thinking, one sees things as right or wrong, good or bad, black or white. Thinking in this way can provide more freedom or can lead to one feeling inferior. Most people usually gravitate to thinking in one of these ways, but both are needed for this world.

When reading Titus, I would presume that Paul is an ‘either/or’ thinker. He knows who he is - “a servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ.” He knows what his purpose is - “for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of truth, which accords with godliness.” Paul is confident of the Gospel, speaking truth. In his letter to Titus, he presents qualifications for elders, teaching sound doctrine, and living in Christ. He is specific and clear. Paul may gravitate to thinking in black and white terms, but he also knows that the life of a Christian can be nuanced. We live much of life in the gray.

As a fellow ‘either/or’ thinker, living in the gray can bring anxiety. I need direction, I like expectations, and I value rules. However, when I don’t follow directions, live up to expectations, or obey rules, I get anxious, too. The shame sets in and I forget who I am in Christ. Yet, the Gospel eliminates this - my works, or my lack of works, does not qualify me to be with Christ. It is Christ who qualifies me.

Paul lists qualifications and directions at the beginning of Titus; he does not let that be the end. Titus 3:4-5 says, “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit…” The Gospel is filled with grace and mercy. It allows us to be set apart from just being human - our actions, our thoughts, etc, and be continually renewed in Him, by Him, and for Him.

~Chelsea Warren