1332) I have electronics in my classroom and a handful of remotes to go with these. From time to time, I’ll use them and think, Man! What would it be like if I could use these remotes on the kids? How about the mute button? How about the fast-forward button? Get the idea? What this brief fantasy is demonstrating is that it is a ridiculous idea that I have some control of others.

In Titus 3:3, the word enslaved here means controlling and, in context, passion controlling us should be in the rearview mirror. Passion is lusting for or desiring something that is not ours to have, usually in the sexual realm. It’s important that we control this desire. Unfortunately, choosing to not be controlled by passion of this sort is not a onetime denial and, realistically, it is something we, as God’s children, may battle against for our entire lives.

Paul tells us in this verse that passion once enslaved him (past tense). This seems to imply that when he wrote this book, he no longer had this struggle. I don’t think that’s what he means here. Instead, he may be recognizing that being enslaved in this way is a battle to be fought and not one that should take us by surprise.

Be aware. Passion/lust is waiting in the wings with its own remote in hand, waiting to control you. If you are aware of it, you can actively fight it, with God’s help.