Be a Good Example
Tuesday, June 1
In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:6-8)
Addressing Titus as he also speaks to the younger men, Paul tells him, “Ensure to encourage the young men in the church to live wisely. But you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of very kind. Live wisely, too.”
The Greek word for “example” is the root word for “type” in English. Titus was to be a type or mold “into which others can be impressed and therefore bear a likeness to him.” The great preacher from Antioch, John Chrysostom, said, “Let the luster of your life be a common school of instruction, a pattern of virtue to all.” Young men should be on the lookout for godly men they can emulate, men they can pattern their lives after.
While this is directed to young men in general, and Titus in particular, let us all bear it in mind that we are to live wisely and be an example to those within our sphere of contact by doing good works of every kind. Whatever is good, we should be an example to people. As I have said somewhere else, we might be the Bible some people will ever read.
Doing the Word
Live by the Book.
Prayer
Dear Father, help me to live and promote a life that reflects wholesome and sound teaching according to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.