[Jesus] gave himself for us . . . to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:14 ESV

My colleague who volunteers with me on Tuesday mornings overflows with love, desiring “to do good works.” Her large and soft heart embraces those unacquainted with Jesus’ good news. But her husband doesn’t yet share this passionate zeal. She mourns this reality. Seeing other couples aligned and serving God together pains her.

Paul wrote to Titus about  these “good works” prepared by God for us to do. But just what did he have in mind? Looking to the Gospel of John, we read:

What must we do, to be doing the works of God? . . . This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent. John 6:28–29 ESV

My friend who is drawn to helping others would likely respond, “I already DO believe in Him!” True, but the Greek word for believe means to trust, to “en-trust all things to Jesus as Lord.” What Jesus is calling for is a handing over of all that concerns us. For my friend, this includes her husband’s spiritual journey. 

It could be, and this is just a conjecture, that until she actually believes that Jesus has got this, the situation might not change. Jesus might just think it best FIRST to grow HER unequivocal confidence in Him. And then grow her husband.