"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Psalms 119:18 (KJV)
Daily Devotion in Titus 2
Daily Nugget:
The world is unconsciously looking for reliable examples to follow. Because of that need for guidance, Christians have many eyes watching them to know how they react in certain situations. If observing eyes see them respond favorably, it is a boon for the Christian beliefs and lifestyle. If unfavorable reactions are seen, it weighs negatively on others’ feelings toward Christianity.
Keeping this responsibility in mind, Paul reminded Titus of how important it is for all Christians to make a difference in the surrounding community.
We are not just here to be saved and soak up the goodness of God, but we are to be a testimony for Christ. Paul reminded three groups of their responsibilities.
He addressed the:
- Elderly men to “… be sober [calm], grave [serious], temperate [moderate in the indulgence of appetites and passions], sound in faith, in charity, in patience” (Titus 2:2). It is essential for the older generations to help mold characters and temperaments.
We teach most of the time by our example. If those who know how to behave and live do not show those with no experience, how will others learn? - Aged women to “… be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given too much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste [not involved in sexual practices outside a marriage], keepers at home, good, obedient to their husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5).
Women also have an important role in helping the younger generations of women be the women God wants them to be. How will they know the way a Christian woman should live and act unless it is from the example of a godly woman herself? - Younger men need to be “… sober minded” (Titus 2:6). When at an age that many sow “wild oats,” and spend the rest of their lives regretting that type of living, younger men also need to live “calmly.”
Too many Christians sit back, let the world go by, and then wonder why the world is not the same one they knew in their youth. In most cases, it is because those that knew better did nothing. If we do not tell the world how God expects people to live and behave, who will?
Today’s Thought:
“Whatever your lot in life, build something on it to the glory of God.” — Author Unknown
Words to Understand:
Charity: love; a kind attitude toward others
Fidelity: faithful
Gravity: a solemn attitude; being serious
Temperate: under control; exercising self-restraint
Today’s Reading:
Titus 2
1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
11 ¶ For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15 ¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.