DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A GOOD ROLE MODEL

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – A GOOD ROLE MODEL

"Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you" (Titus 2:6-8)

The apostle Paul was writing to Titus as a pastor or elder. He considered Titus to be a "true son in our common faith" (1:4). Titus had responsibilities far beyond his local assembly, since he had the assignment of organizing the churches in his area by appointing elders.

This letter contains very practical advice on to be an effective leader Christian leader, as he sought to train other men to be godly leaders. It seems that there are three very important things to consider.

First, Paul exhorts Titus to be a good example (vs. 7) It is a poor leader who will say, "Don't do as I do; do as I say." Paul told Titus to be a pattern that other people could emulate. If experience is the best teacher, the second best teacher is a good role model. Jesus taught the disciples to be servants, and then He showed them how by washing their feet.

The second is to have sound doctrine (vs. 7b) – not just some catchy phrases that would tickle people's ears. That doctrine was to be backed up by Titus' integrity (that is, with pure motives), reverence (that is, understanding the awesome privilege of teaching the Scriptures and the responsibility of doing it correctly), and incorruptness (that is, keeping the doctrine untainted and not letting it degenerate into profane means of personal gain).

And thirdly, Paul advised him to watch his speech that might give his adversaries the opportunity to criticize and denigrate him and his doctrine (vs. 8).

It seems that even as senior citizens, we would do well to pay close attention to these things: integrity, reverence, sound doctrine, and speech becoming out status as children of God. We desperately need good role models in our culture that has so few of them.

Love, Dad