While

 

Titus 2.

 

Verse 12 gives us a directive. An assignment. In the NLT it says this, “And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,”

 

Then take a look at verse 13. It says this, “while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.”

 

Notice the comma between both verses.

The connection between both verses.

One being the command, the other including a promise.

 

And there’s one word in all of this text that is of enormous significance, and that is the word, “while.”

 

We should live in this evil world with WISDOM, RIGHTEOUSNESS, and DEVOTION to God.

 

Some versions say, “SENSIBLE, HONEST, and GODLY lives.”

 

Some say, “SELF CONTROLLED and MORAL.”

 

But either way, there is clear directive here.

 

And we are to do it all WHILE we look forward with hope.

 

Many tell us that living the Christian life is difficult. Painful. Challenging. Hard.

 

And all of those things may be true to some degree.

 

But they are possible.

 

We do all of it WHILE we look forward with hope.

WHILE we keep our eyes laser-focused on Jesus.

WHILE we remain steadfast.

WHILE we keep trusting in His goodness.

WHILE we press forward to win the prize He has awaiting us.

 

And so I make a declaration today: I shall have hope... WHILE!

 

You too?