Despite the reputation of the people in 1st Century Crete (Titus 1:12), and their undisciplined social behaviour (Titus 2:1-8), the Apostle Paul was confident that the gospel would transform their lives.  Although it is possible for people to alter their behaviour for a while (and all of us try), a lasting transformation of lifestyle is impossible unless the heart is motivated to live differently.

But the gospel is not primarily a 'behaviour management' programme.  In our natural state, we are not eager to leave our wickedness (and we are certainly powerless to do so) or internal motivation to please Him.  The Good News about Jesus Christ gives people, who are entrenched in sinful lifestyle-patterns, unexpected hope that their wickedness can be forgiven; and that God promises to give them a new heart which will enable them to live in a way that pleases Him (Ezekiel 36:26-27)  None of us deserve such mercy and grace, but He offers salvation freely to all who will repent and receive Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-10).

The gospel also teaches us that when we start our new life in Christ, we are given power to say ‘No’ to what offends Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17).  We do not have to be bound by the shame of yesterday, nor are we obliged to submit to the expectations of ungodly people, or Satan’s temptations.  Neither do we have to submit to our own sinful internal passions, which God condemns, even though they may be approved by the world.  The gospel gives believers permission to defy the world’s appetite for sin and to control themselves, learning to do what pleases the Lord (Colossians 1:10).  This is not simply an act of personal discipline (although discipline is necessary to ensure that we fully leave behind our old habits and adopt a new lifestyle).  By God's grace we are given internal power to say 'No' to what is wrong, and to deny ourselves the ruinous luxury of sinning … as we wait in expectation of meeting Jesus Christ face to face when He returns.

So, whatever background we have come from, and however badly we have absorbed the habits of the world, we can still be changed.  Indeed, more than that: as we give thanks to God for His grace, our grateful hearts give us the motivation to choose to live the life of Christ.  Discipline without godly devotion will always fail: but as we appreciate and revel in the grace of God, so we will learn how to say 'No' and keep on saying 'No' to what is wrong, and learn to please Him.