"This is a trustworthy saying."  Paul writes this five times in his letters.  It probably related to an early hymn or confessional statement, and it was endorsed by Paul as he instructed Titus.  The New Testament writers insisted that truth could never be isolated from action (unlike the heresies which had crept into the early church) (James 2:17).  Paul also taught that faith in Jesus was not valid if it was not expressed in disciplined, practical action.

Here, Paul contrasted the national characteristics of the people of Crete (liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons - Titus 1:12) with the family characteristics of the people of God.  God’s people should not be selfish, but care for each other in such a way that everybody is built up.  Paul wanted Titus to stress that trusting in God is not an intellectual or mystical self-indulgence, but true faith is seen as people put God's Word into practice (Luke 6:48-49).

This kind of 'practical faith' needs the discipline of careful and intentional planning until it becomes a lifestyle to which the Christian life is practically devoted to serving brothers and sisters, and the wider world for Christ’s sake.  'Doing good' should not be thought of as 'gaining credit' with God but acting as a responsible member of His family, to benefit everybody, not just those in the church.  It is also an important way in which people at work and in the community are alerted to the power of Jesus Christ and His gospel (1 Peter 2:12).

It is the same today.  Preaching without application is useless.  It merely builds up information.  But preaching which contains a godly persuasion to do what is taught - at work, at home and in the community - will result in Jesus Christ being seen as a most excellent person to trust.  Our devotional life is still important.  However, many believers think it is only a private and secret thing (personal reading, prayer, meditation and personal worship).  Certainly, devotion must start there; but if it is not expressed in intentional, disciplined, practical obedience – it is useless (James 2:20-26).  True faith puts our knowledge into action and should develop into a lifestyle.  And so that is how we can worship God as much at work as we do in church, although in a different way (Romans 12:1-2).