Today in chapel, Trevin Wax from the North American Mission Board led us through Titus 2:11–15. As Christians, we are called to live a life that reflects the grace of God, but this is not just an add-on to our everyday existence; it’s a complete transformation of our identity. In Titus, the Apostle Paul presents a powerful vision of how grace and godliness are intertwined in the life of a believer. Paul encourages us to live with a mindset of self-denial and to embrace the grace that leads to godliness — a lifestyle that is driven by grace and directed toward glory.

Wax reminds us that "the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions" (2:11–12). Here, worldliness is defined as anything that makes sin feel normal or acceptable. We live in a world that normalizes sin, but as believers, we are called to renounce it. Saying “no” to godlessness is as vital as saying “yes” to godliness. It’s not just about avoiding sin — it’s about choosing to live a life that honors God. Wax says that “Godliness requires constant killing [of sin].” When we embrace grace, we also embrace the call to live differently and to say no to the things that don't align with God's purpose for our lives.

Some people view Christianity as something that can simply be added to their life, like an accessory or a hobby. But the truth is, Christianity is a relationship with the One who gave His life for us. We are called to live for the One who died for us, not to add Him to our busy lives as an afterthought. This is why it is essential to pray daily, “Lord, give me opportunities to deny myself today,” because self-denial is at the heart of true discipleship.

Godliness is not driven by mere effort or discipline — it is driven by grace. The Spirit forms us by grace, and it is this same grace that empowers us to live godly lives. You cannot separate God’s gift of grace from His call to godliness. The grace of God is not just the means of our salvation; it is also the power that enables us to live for His glory. When we understand this, we realize that living a godly life is not just about following rules but entering into a dynamic, life-changing relationship with God.

One practical way to make godliness a habit is by connecting it to your identity. If you want a habit to stick, you need to see it as part of who you are. When we realize that we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we begin to see godliness as an expression of our new identity. We live not out of obligation, but out of the desire to honor the One who loved us first.

The Christian life is not just about what we do but about who we are in Christ. As we reflect on Titus 2:11–15, let us remember that godliness is driven by grace and directed toward glory. Let us pray for the strength to deny ourselves, to say no to worldly passions, and to live for the glory of God.