I was brought up to follow Christ...

How essential that this be our foundation! Then can we adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things (Titus 2:10). To think that we in any way can adorn the wonderful gospel by our lives! As we put a frame on a beautiful picture, to enhance its beauty and make it more conspicuous, so we must adorn and make more beautiful the gospel of Christ. A king in his royal robes is more easily recognized as such, than one in ordinary clothing. How we can either make or mar the gospel! What is the "gospel according to you"? In all things show thyself a pattern of good works (2:7). The test of fellowship is not warmth of devotion, but holiness of life. One cannot live on strong "feelings." Some mistake religious feeling for holiness and good thoughts for good conduct. There is use and abuse in religious emotion. Be so faithful in your attitudes and obligations of life that critics of your religion will be silenced (2:8). Make others say, "If this is what Christ can do for you, there must be something to your religion." Not that we are saved by good works, but we are saved unto good works. Paul says we are saved by His mercy (3:5), and justified by His grace (3:7). But because we have been saved at such a cost, we should show it by "good works." "God our Saviour" did not save us as a result of our good works, but through His kindness and according to His mercy. He cleansed us by His blood and gave us a new life by His Holy Spirit.