January 19, 2026
— Richard Foster · Source: “Discipline: We Can Live By It” (1982), reprinted at Renovaré
Titus 2:11–12 For the grace of God has been shown to save all people and to teach us to put aside ungodliness and worldly desires and to live a self-controlled, righteous and godly life in this present age.
We often think that spiritual life is a path from failure to success, so practice becomes pressure, and repentance becomes shame. But Titus reminds us that the starting point of change is not human determination, but the grace that God has already revealed. This grace is neither indulgence nor permissiveness, but rather "teaching us"—like a patient teacher, shaping our lives step by step in this world. We can say "no" to sin not because we have a stronger will, but because we have been accepted; we are willing to practice not to please God, but to respond to the love He has already given. Ultimately, spiritual growth is not about gritting our teeth and persevering, but about learning to obey in grace.
Lord, thank you for the grace of your redemption, which has been revealed to me. Even when I was weak and had failed, you accepted me. Grant me a teachable heart, so that I may no longer struggle on my own strength, but be taught and shaped by you in your grace. Help me in my life today to learn to say "no" to ungodliness, and to live with self-control, righteousness, and godliness in the ordinary. May my change be not out of fear, but in response to your grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.