Once you’ve achieved something, it’s easy to forget the path that led you there. We reach the top of the mountain we’ve been climbing, and instead of thinking, “wow I’ve come so far,” we think, “now I’m where I was always supposed to be.” Or worse, “I’ve always been here.” And it’s in those times of false bravado that we look down with disdain on people who are still trying to climb the mountain we just finished.

In Titus 3, Paul is reminding Titus to teach people not to forget where they came from. Titus 3:1-3, “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.”

It's easy to forget that “we ourselves were once foolish.” You didn’t always have it all together the way you do now, and it’s crucial to remember that. It’s important for two reasons. First, it keeps you humble; you didn’t start at the top. There was a struggle along the way. There were times when you took two steps forward and three steps back. There were times that it was just steps back. Through it all you endured and persevered. Remembering where you’ve been helps you appreciate where you’ve made it.

And second, it lets you help people avoid the mistakes you made. The world is better when you offer people a hand up rather than slamming the door behind you. Paul continues, Titus 3:4-5 “4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit…”

We didn’t get here alone.