Teach and Learn

DEVOTION
TITUS
TEACH AND LEARN
Titus 2:1-2
2:1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
NIV
I am not sure if I should be doing the teaching here or the listening, but of course both would be to my advantage. I believe without question I should teach, that is my calling from God, but at the same time I should learn as well. Being an older man I especially should take heed of the qualities described here. I think the original Greek lists uses words like sober, grave, and temperate which somehow I have a difficult time seeing them in this translation. So if I am to be sober, or in the Greek be circumspect, I need to be careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences. Or in order words, I should be prudent. Prehaps younger men jump head long into situations without much though or consideration, but I think older men have has more experience with negative outcomes it would be a natural thing for us to consider all the scenarios before acting, but with these words of encouragement maybe older men jump before thinking too. I wonder if older men do act in ways that would not gain them respect. I think as an older man I should conduct myself in a honorable manner so as to be an example to the younger men. Although I still have a passion for the truth and maybe even get a little over jealous in my expression of that truth, I also need to be a little moderate in my opinion or passion, that is not be argumentative, but also not given in to unsound doctrine. I still need to stand my ground. I should also have a healthy attitude, a well manner of thinking, not corrupt in my moral conviction or in my absolute reliance on Christ for my salvation. No problem, I have not one doubt about Jesus being the only way. Now to love in this benevolent way, this agape love requires really putting the best interest of others before me. This is what Jesus did on the cross. It certainly is more than just saying I love you to someone. I am not sure I have been as successful at this as I should be, but I am still a work in progress and I can still get better at this agape love. At least I can say I am steadfast, and I have constancy in my ways with Jesus. I do not waver in my thinking; I am not swayed from the truth by any of those silver tongued wolves in sheep’s clothing. Yes I am sure about it, I am to teach and learn.