Daily Devotional
"They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach."
Titus 1:11
Paul identifies the root motivation of false teachers: “shameful gain.” This wasn’t just about money, though financial profit was certainly involved. It was about any kind of personal advancement: reputation, power, influence…gained through corrupting God’s truth.
This challenges us to examine our own motivations. When we share biblical truth, are we seeking to help others grow closer to God, or are we trying to appear knowledgeable? When we correct someone, are we genuinely concerned for their spiritual welfare, or are we trying to prove we’re right?
The contrast is stark: true servants of God seek the gain of others’ souls, while false teachers seek their own shameful gain.
Today's Challenge
Examine your heart when you engage in spiritual conversations. What are you hoping to accomplish? Ask God to purify your motivations so that you always seek others' spiritual good above your own reputation or comfort.
Prayer
Father, search my heart and reveal any selfish motivations in how I handle Your truth. Help me to speak and act always for Your glory and others' benefit, never for my own shameful gain. Make me a faithful steward of Your Word.
