Strong in faith

You, however, must tell everyone how to live in a way that agrees with the true teaching. Teach the older men to have self-control, to be serious, and to be wise. They must be strong in faith, in love, and in patience. (Titus 2:1-2)

You might say the Apostle Paul left Titus in Crete to help establish the churches there, knowing the region well himself, and being commissioned to develop the leadership within those churches. Titus was commissioned to appoint 'elders' to help lead the people - men of good reputation, solid beliefs, and with upright hearts. Titus was also called upon to help the New Testament churches know when a man was teaching wrong doctrine, trying to mislead people with some other 'gospel message' other than grace. It was an important role, but we hear very little of Titus. That might give many of us a little hope, because we don't need to have the 'important roles' in life to contribute in a very positive way!

As Paul commissioned Titus, he told him to look for men who had self-control and wisdom. They were to teach the younger men coming up in the faith to live with similar self-control, determined to live for God in all areas of their lives. It has always been a biblical principle - the elder teaching the younger. From generation to generation, wisdom was passed down and the teachings of God were impressed upon hearts. It is no different in the New Testament churches today. We are to share our knowledge, warning each other against all manner of worthless things and teachings that do nothing more than mislead people. The characteristic of self-control is important as it helps one to stop long enough to consider the wisdom of one's choices. Teachings may seem 'wise', but when we stop long enough to consider them against God's Word, we might see the error in those teachings.

Strong in faith, able to love one another with Christ's love, and exemplifying patience with one another - these are outlined as some of the characteristics of one who is to help the next generation develop in their faith. Their devotion to Christ must be evident - something we might overlook with just a casual look into one's life. It may seem strange to some that Paul would tell Titus to 'scrutinize' the lives of the men and women who would help the next generation of believers develop in their own faith, but one who wavers in their own faith is hardly able to help another who is struggling with faith! Women weren't to go around gossiping about one another - because family gets divided by gossip. Men were to live upright lives - in business or personal affairs, always revealing a positive example of God's love. Women were to exemplify purity, goodness, and grace. No matter what - God was to be central in their work, homes, and friendships. In other words, we are to take care of each other and help each other to mature in God's love, grace, and goodness. A calling we can each embrace. Just sayin!