Titus 2:2-3, “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good.”
Titus 2 is a textbook of the system of Biblical ethics for character traits of believers, in right thinking and living that goes along with living the Christian life in not only words but in actions. The Bible should be our textbook in knowing how we should live and enable us to be effective spiritual mentors to those younger than our years.
“The older men: Titus had some older men among the Christians in Crete. They had to be approached with love and wisdom, or they might easily be offended when taught by a younger man like Titus.” David Guzik Commentary. Paul stated that living “sober, reverent, and self-controlled” does not come spontaneously with age. Even men’s emotions control their thoughts and behaviors from what is in the heart, which must be guarded as Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) warns, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
How about “steadfastness?” Paul was instructing Titus that men are to be strong in endurance, accept or tolerate delays, and be firm and unwavering in their faith because they are spiritually grounded in God’s Word and doctrine. They are to be worthy of respect (HCSB). Therefore, the everyday devasting challenges of life will not derail them due to being grounded in God’s Word and sound doctrine, so they are dependable, unwavering, and steady when hit with trials in life. This challenge and expectation Paul was giving to “older men” so they would be examples of Christ-like role models. That is what being “steadfast” means. Older women were to have the same qualities as the older men, and to reflect holiness.
What does “reverent behavior” mean that Paul taught Titus, “older women” should be? One definition I found online said the following: “Definition: Reverent Behavior. This older woman sees life, all of life, from God’s viewpoint and understands that even the mundane routines of life are important to God. Her lifestyle tells a watchful observer where her priorities are. Watch her walk through her day in order to see what is next to God’s Heart.” Elizabeth Elliot has said, “Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now.” Elizabeth Elliot has also said: “Never pass up an opportunity to keep your mouth shut.” That squelches any slanderous comments we women are so tempted to say. Ouch.
We all are faced with impossible situations. I admit I don’t look at those times as “opportunities.” However, Proverbs 31:25-26 states about the Proverbs 31 woman: “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” I want to have the character profile of Proverbs 31:25-26 and Titus 2:2-3. At the end of each day, I need to reflect on what kind of a model I portrayed today? Was I patient? Was I kind and loving? Did I shut my mouth before a slanderous comment came out? Did I engage in self-discipline and self-control? Did I give encouragement by my words and example? Was I worthy of respect? What would a snapshot picture slide show, show of my day today in handling my life? How about yours?
Listen to Danny Gokey – Stand In Faith (Official Lyric Video) 5/21/2021.