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October 26 – Stereotypes

Scripture: Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, Titus 1:1-16, Psalm 97:1-98:9, Proverbs 26:13-16

Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, “The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.” This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith. (Titus 1:12-13)

Observation: Paul wasn’t very politically correct, was he? Just imagine a pastor throwing a blanket out there like that today. We’d call him Jerry Falwell or think he was from Westboro Baptist Church or something. The thing is, even if we don’t use them publically, most cultures have certain characteristics that, to others become stereotypes. If you say French, I think someone lounging around all day at a cafe looking down on everyone else. If you say British, I’m going to think of someone very stuffy and uptight. All Asians are great students. Germans make excellent engineers. The Spanish and Brazilians have the best soccer players in the world. Italians…

Application: Each stereotype has its origins in some shred of truth, and stereotypes don’t just have to do with ethnicity. How often do I use my background, or my ethnicity, or my experiences, or my upbringing as an excuse for my own behavior. “Of course I’m going to be a compulsive liar, I’m a Cretin.” That’s what the people Titus was sent to minister might have said, I might say instead, “I can’t help that anger, I’m part _____” What are my excuses? Rather than trying to ignore the stereotypes of his day for the sake of political correctness, Paul encouraged Titus to address them head on. The only excuse we have for our behavior is the blood of Jesus. The only thing we can say is, “I can’t help living right, I’m a child of God.”

Prayer: God, help me to make You my only excuse. I recognize that because of my culture and background there are going to be some sin issues that will be more difficult for me to overcome. I also recognize that because I am Yours, I am a new creation. Please, keep recreating me until the only thing people can see in me is You.