In His Name Devotionals
ADORNING THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
In His Name Devotionals
ADORNING THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
“Adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” (Titus 2:10)
Servants are to “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Titus 2:10). That word “adorn” has an interesting background. It is a Greek word and when spelled in English letters comes out, “kosmeo” or, “cosmetic.” Christians are to be the Lord’s cosmetics.
McKnight and other commentators provide a deeper meaning to the word “cosmetic” than we usually do. He would, for example, point out in Romans 6:17, that Christians have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine that was delivered. Here is applied cosmetics with the added explanation that is like molded metal poured into a form. It does not come out as it went in. It takes the shape of the mold.
What ever the Gospel is, as a Christian, you take on that form. You are the copy of it. Where the Gospel is light, you are illuminated. Where it is salt, you are seasoned. Where it is love, you are loving. Where it is holiness, you are holy and happy in its form. Where it is truth and grace, you are honest and gracious. Your temper, speech, your very presence gives evidence of your “adorning the doctrine.”
There are so many areas where this molding should take place that you are required to honestly work on it all the days of your life. Are there times when your zeal for orthodoxy seems to smother other considerations? Does it need to be that way? You cannot renounce charity and candor, but you must combine them with the love and concern that was firmly set by the One who set the mold for you.
