Nothing moved him anymore. Though he ran one of the top skateboard teams in the world and had enjoyed lots of money, drugs, sex, and had dove headlong into every pleasure he chose, Ryan Ries felt empty.
One night he nearly died from a cocaine overdose. The next morning Ryan found a Gideon Bible in his hotel room and began reading it. In time, God’s grace seeped into Ryan’s broken, convicted heart and he placed his faith in Jesus. Today, he and his wife work with others to host events that are reaching people with God’s good news—helping them find real life while also breaking free from addictions and unhealthy lifestyles.
Paul knew he needed to help the believers in the church on Crete break free from an unhealthy, degenerate culture (Titus 1:12-13). Writing from Macedonia far to the north, he instructed his “true son in the faith” Titus to appoint godly, strong elders “in each town” on the island (Titus 1:4-5). He knew it was vital for the believers in Jesus, so young in their faith, to be reminded that it was God’s mercy (Titus 3:5) and grace (Titus 3:7) that brought about their salvation and led to their “doing good” things (Titus 3:8).
Mythological beliefs on Crete (Titus 1:14) at that time included the idea that Zeus had attained godhood by doing good things for people. Unlike Ryan, whose good deeds now flow from a heart transformed by God and are motivated by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:6-7), the fable of Zeus motivated people to do good so that they could be like their god.
Paul wrote that God “saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done,” but because of His mercy and grace (Titus 3:5). And today, by His Spirit, He motivates us to do good things so others can be moved to find real life in Him.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 2:1-13
More:
Read Galatians 2:16 and consider what Paul said makes us “right with God.”
Next:
How has God’s grace motivated you to do good to others? How can we avoid the temptation to try and earn God’s approval by doing good deeds?
Gary Shultz on October 7, 2016 at 6:25 am
Good reminder Tom. The world always has, always will be bent by sin, distorting a correct view of a God that many flee from. Then like Ryan God begins to plant the seeds of His love in a heart. We need to be reminded this is not the only bad time in history, for the most part many believers have lived through the centuries in much more strained conditions then we. And yes, God by His mercy and grace has reached through the ages to the present with His Spirit, to the likes of us. So I do hope after a short review we look around and see God is still reaching to us in His love and power. I hope to a “Grace that Motivates” us to look to Him, to share that with others and to live out our lives from a Godly perspective. Thanks Tom, hows the health?
Tom Felten on October 7, 2016 at 9:25 am
So true, Gary. Life can be so difficult and dark at times, but praise God that His grace continues to break through. As with Ryan, we might try to construct meaning and fulfillment in so many empty things. But God is there, and He reaches into our brokenness with life and healing as we turn to Him. Regarding my battle with cancer, by God’s grace some scans recently revealed that the cancerous mass we were monitoring was no longer active. My doctor said He can’t explain it. But you and I know the answer—it’s in remission by God’s grace alone!
susanb1998 on October 7, 2016 at 9:52 am
Amen to that Tom. God bless.
sim jing ying on October 7, 2016 at 9:45 am
God’s grace motivated me because He came as Jesus Christ in a pure Lamb saving us unworthy sinners, that motivates me to do good to others. I will do good in secret as God rewards them in heaven.
Tom Felten on October 7, 2016 at 9:50 am
sim jing ying, may we continue to live out the power of Jesus as the Holy Spirit equips and enables. It’s incredible to realize that He’s called us to represent Him in a world that so desperately needs His truth and love!
minkjh on October 7, 2016 at 11:41 am
Tom, I was so intrigued by your opening paragraphs that I visited the website of Mr. Reis. After reading and hearing the sordid details of his journey from darkness to light, I’m convinced only the unmerited favor of God could bring about the remarkable transformation in his life. I’m sure there are many of us who would have kicked this guy to the curb and never thought twice about it, or are waiting for him to succumb to his past evils, unless we first take an honest assessment of our own depravity. We are all debtors who cannot pay, but thankfully another bought us at the greatest personal cost. When we realize our sinfulness and the fact that we are redeemed not through our own accomplishments but by the merit of Christ alone, then we begin to comprehend the essence of grace. And that grace provides life-changing opportunities for us to show our gratitude and obedience to Him.
youssef1777 on October 7, 2016 at 8:36 pm
STAY WITH GOD WORD AND OBEY .WE WILL REWARD IN HEAVEN BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST .