Titus 2:7, “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”
Do you feel you are making progress in areas you are trying to grow in such as resolving or handling conflicts, having more self-control, or resting on the promises of God despite unfavorable circumstances? To those in my sphere of influence, I often feel like I might take three steps forwards in making personal progress, but then often take two steps backward when hit with conflict. Paul was instructing Titus that he had to be an example, and not just a teacher, of sound doctrine and truth. We all teach more by example than by what we say is what Paul was stating.
We are not all teachers. But we all are role models to our family, neighbors, co-workers, and acquaintances. When the values I hold dear are ignored or attacked, that is detrimental to me. I have the same reaction when someone breaks a promise to me. I fail to protect myself as I overwork because my brain never stops thinking about how I can do things better, and then I will lose all patience from being stressed out and emotionally exhausted. How about you? What, when you are opposed or your buttons are pushed as they say, sets off a less than favorable emotion of anger within you? Is it when your ideas are challenged, or you feel taken for granted? Or what about seeing incompetence in others, not tolerating illogical actions, a lack of humility, or an exaggeration of the truth? That is when taking two steps backward happens to all of us as our reactions may become verbally catapulted. At the end of the day, think over what you did or said that would be a model for others to imitate? Or do you have some regrets you wish you could have covered up with some wax?
The Voice states Titus 2:7-8 this way, “Titus, you have to set a good example for everyone. Go out of your way to do what is right, speak the truth with the weight and authority that come from an honest and pure life. No one can argue with that. Then your enemies will cower in shame because they have nothing bad to say against us.”
In Paul’s day, there was the ancient art of sculpting. Sculptors, however, would patch their mistakes with wax, and no one would see what they were trying to cover up. “Unseen until the noonday sun shone on the sculpture after the unsuspecting customer had taken it home.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary. Thus, the piece of art lacked integrity and honesty. Our respectability should not melt in the heat of hardships, distress, and just having a bad day. Oh, that our opponents “may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Titus 2:7.
Listen to Casting Crowns – 2nd Opinions (Official Lyric Video).