Language is amazing. Across the globe, words are spoken with different inflections, tonalities, and syntax. French is considered elegantly beautiful. Russian is straightforward to learn. Japanese has its own cryptic alphabet.
English has something special, the ability to nuance meaning by connotation. Use this for an example: Poke or jab. Both words have the same essential meaning. Poke suggests something gentle. Jab intends to cause discomfort. We say, “Her joke poked fun at the new law,” to show humor in the situation. However, taking a “pointed jab” at a new law’s inadequacies is a cry for change.
Although Paul of antiquity didn’t speak English as his native language, there’s a reason we find the word affirm in Titus 3:8:
“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that you affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
Merriam-Webster gives us two clear synonyms for the word affirm: validate and confirm. More importantly, Webster says that when we affirm something, it’s a positive action. We lay claim to something good. We are joyous in our declaration; we are filled with pride; and we want everyone to know.
This verse gives us three specific pride-building tenets we can stand on to affirm our faith in Christ.
Pride-Building Tenet No. 1:
“This is a faithful saying…”
We can trust our Lord to be as he said he is. The Bible is true. Our salvation is real. The cross is our source. The Father loves us. Christ is returning for his own. There is no shadow of indecision in our walk with Jesus.
Pride-Building Tenet No. 2:
“…These things I will that you affirm constantly…”
Our love for God should be worn on our sleeves. When we speak, Christ filters into our conversation, percolates through our words, and recharges our friendships. We mention our salvation with a happy expression, and we encourage others to join us in our journey with Jesus.
Pride-Building Tenet No. 3:
“…Be careful to maintain good works…”
We find our pride in Christ by the milestones we’ve achieved. Just receiving salvation isn’t enough. We have to do something for Jesus. That means letting others know that Christ is real to us every day, supporting our local church, and organizing our days to maximize our Christian impact on everyone around us.
So, let’s do it. Let’s validate Christ to the world. Let’s confirm the power of his name, share the mercies of the cross, and generally, let our pride in being a Christian shine through whatever comes our way. It’s what Jesus did. We can do it, too.
When we are proud to be linked with Christ, the entire world will see it written in everything we say and do.
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Code: FGO.E.02.16a.vp.kjv