Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
6 “In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely in all they do. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Let your teaching be so correct that it cannot be criticized. Then those who want to argue will be ashamed because they won’t have anything bad to say about us.” ~ Titus 2:6-8
This advice given to young men was very important. In ancient Greek society, the role of the husband/father was not viewed as a nurturing role but merely as a functional one. Sadly, many young men today have been raised in families where fathers take on the role as strictly being a provider and have neglected the nurturing responsibilities of their wives and children. Husbands and fathers who are good examples of Christian living are important role models for young men who need to see how it is done.
When Paul encouraged Titus, and through Titus other young men, to be serious, he wanted them to be reverent and purposeful. Christianity should never be intentionally boring or gloomy. Do not let the seriousness of the Good News cause you to repel others by a grim disposition. Paul urged Titus to be a good example to those around him so that others might see Titus’s good deeds and imitate him. Paul’s life gave his words greater impact.
Paul counseled Titus to be above criticism in how he taught. This quality of integrity comes from careful Bible study and listening before speaking. This is especially important when teaching or confronting others about spiritual or moral issues. If we are impulsive, unreasonable, and confusing, we are likely to start arguments rather than convince people of the truth. If we want someone to act a certain way, we must be sure that we live that way ourselves. Then we will earn the right to be heard, and our life will enforce what we teach.
LORD, help us all to live wisely, especially our young men, the future husbands and fathers. Help our sons to be a good example by doing good deeds of every kind and let everything they do reflect integrity and the seriousness of YOUR teaching. Help them Father GOD, to grow into GODly men and take on a nurturing role with their wives and children, not just a functional provider role. Help them to be good models of Christian living, so that their children will see how it is done. Let their lives enforce what they teach in a positive way.
Photo: My Husband Praying on the Steps of the United States Capitol (Washington D.C.)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
