In the first chapter of Titus, Paul spent most of his words addressing the characteristics of leaders in the church. In order for a church to attain God’s calling, they must be led by those who are spiritually mature in the faith (Titus 1:5-16). However, when godly leadership is in place, those who make up the church must also seek to live godly lives. Paul gets very specific about the character of different people groups within the church and provides exactly what is expected from the Cretan Christians. Before Paul expounds the list he gives the key to godly character – a proper response to biblical truth (2:1). As the word of God is faithfully preached by the leaders, people should respond to the truth by modeling a holy lifestyle. The first group of people Paul addresses is the older men. He commands that they “be sober [sensible], reverent [dignified], sound in faith, in love, in patience” (2:2). Secondly, he advises the older women. The older women must be “reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things” (2:3). Along with these character issues, the older women are also given the responsibility to teach the younger women “to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet [appropriate in all situations], chaste [pure], homemakers [keeping a peaceful home for her husband and children], good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed” (2:4-5). The younger men should 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” (2:6-8). Last, Paul gives the character of the employees. Those who work for another should “be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering [stealing money], but showing all good fidelity [loyalty], that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things’ (2:9-10). Although this is a large list of character points, you need to find which category you fit in and make these characteristics a part of your life. When you have godly character, you honor God and the outside world is drawn to Him. Seek to live a life worthy of that which you believe. Model Christian character in your words, your attitudes, your actions, and your reactions. Allow God to shape your life through His truth.
Dear God, help me to live a life of character so that people’s attention might be drawn to You.
