Becoming an Old Man

Scripture: Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Titus 2:2

Observation: Paul's instruction to Titus on teaching is similar to other letters, where he divides the congregation by men, women, slaves, with young and old subdivisions. This one sentence is the short lesson about teaching older men, and is noteworthy for its simplicity. It effectively says to instruct older men on only forms of behavior in the church:

1) To be conservative in general demeanor - temperate, self-controlled, and thus worthy of respect

2) To be strong in faith - demonstrate consistency and soundness in faith with the example of love

Application: I am becoming an older man and I didn't know it.

Okay, I knew I was aging as I just turned 50. However, I have been recently thinking about my general demeanor in the church, and realizing I need to demonstrate a naturally conservative demeanor. Other men I respect show a gentleness and kindness that is clearly their love of God and therefore of God's creation and people, and that kindness comes across as faith. They speak kindly and gently, but also directly and with authority, demonstrating their strength if faith and receiving respect and deference from others without insisting upon it.

As my wrinkles form, my hair turns grayer, and my joints complain more often, I have known that I need to be a leader in the church by emulating these characters. I need to engage others with love, demonstrate unshakable faith, and interact with moderated and controlled temperament. I did not realize this was also how Paul would have instructed me as well. It is refreshing to learn, therefore, that the Holy Spirit has already been guiding me well, and on a solid and safe path.

Prayer: Abba, father, daddy, and Lord my God, may I ever be open to your teaching. I remain a lump of clay in the hands of the master, and willing to be formed as you have need. I will never believe that I am fully formed and fired hard, for while others may believe that brings stability and strength I know it actually brings fragility and future breakage. I thank you for your instruction, your guidance, your correction. I thank you for loving me enough to wish to grow and mold me. Please forgive me when I resist or choose my own path, and set me back on your way for me. You have never, never, ever lead me astray, and I know you never will. Thank you. Amen.