our daily bread
Dexu Xia
Fair Play
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. Titus 2:7
When Singaporean runner Ashley Liew found himself at the head of the pack during a marathon at the Southeast Asian Games, he knew something was wrong. He quickly realized that the lead runners had taken a wrong turn and were now behind. Ashley could have taken advantage of their mistake, but a strong sense of sportsmanship told him it would not be a genuine victory. He wanted to win because he was faster—not because those ahead of him had made a mistake. Acting on his convictions, he slowed down to let them catch up.
In the end, Ashley lost the race and missed out on a medal. But he won the hearts of his countrymen—and an international award for his act of fair play. It spoke well of his faith as a Christian, and must have prompted some to ask, “What made him do that?”
Live so that others will want to know Jesus.
Ashley’s act challenges me to share my faith through my actions. Little acts of thoughtfulness, kindness, or forgiveness can glorify God. As Paul put it simply, “Show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:7–8).
Our positive actions toward others can show the world that we are able to live differently because of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. He will give us the grace to reject ungodliness and wrong passions, and to live upright lives that point people to God (vv. 11–12).
Heavenly Father, may our behavior today cause others to ask us why we are different. We ask that we follow Your Holy Spirit’s leading as we explain to them the hope that is in us.
Live so that others will want to know Jesus.
公平竞争
你自己凡事要显出善行的榜样。-提多书2章7节
在东南亚运动会的马拉松比赛中，新加坡选手刘威延发现自己领先所有的参赛者时，就觉得应该出错了。很快地，他发现那些原本领先的参赛者因转错路线而落在后头。他原可以继续保持领先的优势，但强烈的运动精神告诉他，如此一来便不是真正的胜利。他希望以自己的实力得奖，而不是因为别人的失误。基于这样的信念，他放慢速度让其他人跟上。
最后，在这场比赛中，刘威延虽未赢得奖牌，但却赢得全国人民的心，后来他还因着公平竞争的行为，获颁一座国际奖项。他的行为表明了他的基督徒信仰，而且也让人不禁要问：“是什么原因促使他这样做？”
刘威延的行为激励我，透过我的言行举止与人分享基督信仰。许多微不足道的行为，诸如待人亲切、仁慈或宽容都能使上帝得着荣耀。如同保罗清楚表明：“在教训上要正直端庄，言语纯全，无可指责。”（提多书2章7-8节）
我们待人处事的好行为可以向世人显明，我们的言行有所不同是因为有圣灵在我们心中动工。圣灵会赐给我们恩典，让我们能除去不敬虔的心和世俗的情欲，叫我们能过正直的生活，并使人认识上帝（11-12节）。
天父，愿我们今天的行为，能让人想知道，
我们为何有所不同。恳求祢让我们能跟随圣灵的引导，
向人解释那在我们心中的盼望。
活出正直，吸引人认识耶稣。