Titus 1:12-13 - The Problem of Culture

Titus 1:12-13 (ESV)

One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

Culture is largely amoral. However, every culture has aspects of it that are unbiblical. Within the United States, whether we are talking about the passive-aggressiveness of the upper mid-west, the in-your-face confrontation of the east coast, or the laissez-faire of the west coast, each contains aspects that are unbiblical. One culture values peace, another honesty, and a third freedom. Each of those values are valid and good. The problem is that we can see the problems attached to the culture of others while being blind to our own. Paul instructed Titus to sharply rebuke the Cretans for their dishonesty and self-indulgence. We read that and shake our heads, “Yep, those people are sinful. They need to be rebuked.” All-the-while failing to see the areas of our own lives and culture that need to be rebuked. Perhaps our response to these verses should be less about criticizing lazy, gluttonous liars, and more about asking God to reveal our own unbiblical thinking and acting. Father, help me see where I need to be rebuked.