That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
—Titus 2:2 (KJV)
"Teach older men? I expect some older folks are thinking, "I'm supposed to learn about life from younger folks? You've gotta be kidding me!" Nevertheless, Paul places in this message a profound understanding and respect that transcends generational differences. We can learn God's truth from fresh voices inspired by the Holy Spirit! For some of us who share our local churches with five generations of people for the first time in human history, Paul's challenging words mean even more to us today than when he shared them with a young servant of God named Titus. Younger people need leaders and mentors who are people of character if transformation and renewal are to be sustainable for them. Yet those who are older need to realize that God often uses the voices of the young to speak his truth and bring renewal when his people become lethargic, set in their ways, and predictable. We must love, respect, and pray for each other as we seek to be God's people in our time, and this means listening to each other to hear the voice of God!
O God, please give us wisdom, patience, and respect. As your family, we need your help to value each person, listen to people of character and maturity regardless of age, and open our hearts to your truth no matter who you use to speak it. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Titus 2:2 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
"Teach older men? I expect some older folks are thinking, "I'm supposed to learn about life from younger folks? You've gotta be kidding me!" Nevertheless, Paul places in this message a profound understanding and respect that transcends generational differences. We can learn God's truth from fresh voices inspired by the Holy Spirit! For some of us who share our local churches with five generations of people for the first time in human history, Paul's challenging words mean even more to us today than when he shared them with a young servant of God named Titus. Younger people need leaders and mentors who are people of character if transformation and renewal are to be sustainable for them. Yet those who are older need to realize that God often uses the voices of the young to speak his truth and bring renewal when his people become lethargic, set in their ways, and predictable. We must love, respect, and pray for each other as we seek to be God's people in our time, and this means listening to each other to hear the voice of God!
My Prayer...
O God, please give us wisdom, patience, and respect. As your family, we need your help to value each person, listen to people of character and maturity regardless of age, and open our hearts to your truth no matter who you use to speak it. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
