"In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you." Titus 2:7-8.
Paul tells us that if we live our lives by setting a good example, always performing good deeds; if our doctrine is pure and true in relationship with God's Word; if we always conduct ourselves with dignity (as opposed to childishness -- not necessarily straight faced and somber); if our talk matches our walk and we are found to be what we claim we are as Christians, then we have set a good offense. If we have done no wrong and are model citizens, then the bad guys will have no argument with us.
A good lifestyle prevents bad things from happening. A lot of(not all) crime takes place in the early morning hours, near and around the local pubs and bars, by someone who is known to the victim. It can safely be concluded that if we live a good and peaceable life, being home by 10:00 PM, stay away from the bars, and develop friendships with good people, we are relatively safe from being involved in a fight or other evil things being done to us.
Sounds like Paul's advice to Titus. (Of course there is the occasional daytime crime committed against a totally innocent individual -- but those are not as often.) Likewise, if we do not go near satan's hangout but spend a large portion of our time in Church; if we walk away from temptation instead of flirting with it; if our best friends are those who share our love for Jesus, it stands to reason that we will be fairly well protected from satan's attacks. That's not to say we won't suffer attacks, but we will be sufficiently protected so that we will be victorious in those battles in which we find ourselves. Determine to live right! Amen.
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