Did Titus think to himself ... "I could be travelling with Paul, but instead, I am island-bound – stuck on Crete. But while I'm here, I will try to make the best of the situation. I am sure I can find things to do. This is a spectacular little island in the Mediterranean off the coast of Greece. It has some awesome mountains, so I hope to do some climbing. I would love to be able to climb the tallest peak – Mt. Pachnes (2453m). And the beaches here are incredible so that will help to pass the time. Maybe I'll do some mixed farming – who knows? Once I get the 'lay of the land,' I might be able to get a little business of my own going and see it take off."
There’s no indication that Titus ever entertained such thoughts during his time on the Island of Crete. But is it possible he was, in fact, second-guessing his purpose for being stuck on an island? “Why am I left here? For what reason?”
The Apostle Paul wrote Titus a letter to clarify why he left him in Crete. There was a spiritual reason for being on Crete and a responsibility assigned to Titus. He wasn’t left there to be a vacationer, a mountain climber or a businessman. Sure, he may have taken an afternoon dip in the Mediterranean and he may have climbed a mountain to enjoy the incredible view, and perhaps he found a way to earn a few extra dollars to offset his expenses. But Paul ensured Titus knew his primary reason for being left on Crete.
To Titus, my true son in our common faith. Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. The reason I left you in Crete was to set right what was left undone and, as I directed you, to appoint elders in every town. Titus 1:4-5 CSB
Titus was left there for spiritual reasons. He had a work to do and spiritual responsibilities to fulfill. He was to ensure there were godly elders in place in each local church on the island. He was to instruct the believers there on what constitutes good and godly living as distinct from the world. Christians are to live well-ordered lives – good lives. The English word ‘good’ is found ten times in three chapters translated from four Greek words.
Now you know why Titus was left on the Island of Crete – but on a more personal note, do you know why God left you here on the Planet? Why didn’t He whisk you off to Heaven the moment He rescued you from your sins? Why didn’t He airlift you into His glorious Presence the moment He saved you? There must have been a reason He left you here.
Was it primarily so you could immerse yourself in business, pursue secular goals, enjoy your hobbies and have a bit of fun? Or did He leave you here for a bigger reason?
I suspect the Lord intends us to only use our careers, our business or our jobs as merely a ‘means’ to accomplish the ‘end’ He has in mind for us. He left us here to serve Him while others serve themselves and their own selfish ambitions. He left us here to surrender and yield our time, talents and treasures to Him while the unredeemed stubbornly refuse to surrender. He left us here to glorify Himself – not ourselves. He left us here to fulfill the spiritual responsibilities He has given to us. He left us here to be a witness and a light in a dark world. Jesus made this clear in His prayer in John 17 before going to the Cross.
I am not praying that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. (John 17:15-18 CSB)
He left you on Planet Earth to accomplish a spiritual purpose. Did you think about that reason today? Filling in blanks may seem to be a juvenile exercise or a bit quirky, but I can think of no greater matter to occupy my mind as I go about my activities today. In the blank: The reason He left me on the Planet is _____________. Write an entire sentence that captures the essence of why He left you here.
How can I live a fulfilling and meaningful life if I cannot be specific about the reason He left me here?
Don’t hesitate to share a thought from your personal experience or a verse that has been a blessing to you – in the comment section below. Or, if you would like to reach out privately, click below.
