Titus 2

Paul’s words to Titus ring true to us today. This whole chapter speaks of teaching different groups of people. As a youth sponsor, I was especially touched by verses 6-8, which instruct how to teach young men. “(6) Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. (7) In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness (8) and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”

The first thing we are to teach is to encourage self-control. Wise counsel in a world gone wild. So many young people are searching for their way in life, reaching and jumping from one fad to another, entering deeper and deeper into sin with alcohol, drugs, sex, violence, etc. It is our responsibility to teach them of the Almighty and Unchanging God, and encourage them to have self-control.

With that comes the second part, to SHOW them, lead by example, in EVERYTHING we do. It’s very difficult to warn the youth about the dangers of alcohol, if we also drink. Similarly, it is difficult to tell them to be self-disciplined, if we ourselves are short-tempered, violent and out-of-control. We must instruct and SHOW them by being good examples to follow, glorifying God in EVERYTHING we do.

Finally, we must also show integrity, serious and soundness in our teachings, so we have nothing to fear, those who oppose us will be ashamed, for they have nothing bad to say about us. That type of integrity comes from speaking only the truth AND living the truth.

Lord, please help me to be a proper example of You. To live my life as a testimony to Your greatness. To instruct the youth, with integrity and through example, as you have commanded, so they may live with You in their hearts and bring glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.