Being a Good Example
TITUS 2: 1-15
(October 27)
I have been so fortunate to have good examples in my life. Those people who have taught me, not only through their words, but through their actions. I have learned how to treat others, how to honor Christ, how to have friendships without stepping over boundaries, and so much more.
Where would we be without those examples that teach us so much? How would we know how to act? I know I would be a hot mess without the examples God has provided for me.
How about you? Can you think of the people in your life who have taught you by example? Or perhaps, you have been that example for someone else.
Chapter 2 of Titus shows us explicitly that we ARE to be examples for others, but first, we must learn from the example of those who have put in our path by God.
Paul instructs Timothy about the importance of all this. The older men should be living a life that the younger men can follow, worthy of respect, with self-control, with sound faith, love and patience. Those young men that learn from that example with one day be older men who will lead by that example.
The same goes for the women. The older are to be an example to the younger in how the teach what is good, stay sober, training them to love their husbands and children, living pure and working in their homes. They are to do good and be respectful of their husbands. This is bringing to mind our beloved Proverbs 31 woman. While she was not a REAL woman, just an idea of the perfect woman, we could do well to be whatever parts of her we can on any given day.
Even slaves are mentioned in this part of the letter. While Paul did not condemn or condone slavery in any of his letters, he did state that slaves and masters should be loving and responsible in their conduct. This is the same that holds true for us today in our employer/employee relationships. Just because someone is in authority over you, doesn't mean you are to be disrespected or treated unkind. And vice versa.
Paul's vision for how the people of the world should treat each other is beautiful. I wonder how he would feel if he were here today and saw the disrespect, dishonesty, hostility, and ugliness that many pour into the people around them ... the ones they know and the ones that are strangers.
This gives me an urgent sense of making sure I am living in the example of the good, Godly people who have gone before me, and that I am living that example out to the ones who are watching and learning from me now.
How about you? Are you living a life worthy of teaching and training the ones coming after you? Does your life reflect Paul's vision for the believers in Crete, and for believers everywhere?
Something to think about...