Verse of the Day 2/14

Verse of the Day 2/14

Titus 2:1-2 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. ² Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.   English Standard Version (ESV)

Our men's Bible study group covered this passage this week and most of us qualified as "older men".  I had to chuckle when I read that Paul was over 60 when he wrote these words having just reaching that age myself.  His message is anything but funny, it is serious.  Paul was giving instructions to Titus who was to oversee the churches in Crete and appoint leaders and these were the qualities that he was looking for.

It started with him, he was to teach what accords, what lines up with "sound doctrine".  The word for sound conveys being healthy, good for you. A building that is "sound" structurally won't come crashing down in a storm, it has a firm foundation, so it is with spiritual leaders.  If you think that this does not apply to you consider what Chip Ingram said - "everyone is a leader for someone".  People are watching us and some are looking up to us as leaders.  They may be children, grandchildren, co-workers, neighbors...  you get the idea.

Now, think of the next qualities that he mentions - sober- minded, clear thinkers, not under the influence of destructive habits;  dignified - worthy of respect and honor; self-controlled - they don't fly off the handle or go off the rails like a train wreck.  Then he brings up that word again, sound - rooted, grounded in faith able to weather the storms of life with faith, in love and steadfastness, rock steady.

It is  tall order and not one that we can accomplish on our own.  It goes back to that sound doctrine, sound teaching of grace and truth found in following Jesus and the Word of God.

May we remember that we are leaders of someone and for those of us who are "older" may or goal be to lead by the examples set forth here.

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Titus 2:1-6 The Message (MSG)

A God-Filled Life

2 ^1-6 Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity, and wisdom, into healthy faith, love, and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives.