READ: Titus 2:4-10
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
KEY THOUGHT:
No one ever said that being a Christian would be easy. In fact, being a Christian, or a “little Christ,” can be quite difficult. As one who claims the name of Christ, God has called you to a higher standard or goal for your life. Although your salvation doesn’t depend on meeting that high standard, it’s important to realize its impact on your example and witness for Christ.
In Titus 2, the apostle Paul describes the high standard to be taught to the church, including specifics to be taught to young women, young men, and anyone else who serves Christ. We all must learn and practice the behaviors that uphold the high standard of being called a Christian. (A side note to those who teach: With this in mind, it’s important for mature Christians to be diligent about teaching the young since it establishes the standards for Christian behavior in the minds of those being taught. To be clear, it’s not just that you teach, it’s what you teach that matters, because what you teach helps communicate by word and by example the high standard of Christianity.)
Even though holding to the standard might seem difficult to meet or maintain, you can be assured in the knowledge that you are not alone in your battle to achieve what God has called you to be. You have the Holy Spirit of God, the strength of Jesus Christ, and the providential hand of the Father to help you; knowing that by striving to such a high standard, you will glorify the truth of God in everything you do.
While it might seem easy to settle for mediocrity and sink to the world’s standards, it’s worth the effort to put your trust in God and make living by His standards and pleasing Him your own personal standard!
CONSIDER:
- Why does God such a high standard for Christian living?
- How does settling for mediocrity hinder your testimony for Jesus Christ?
- What can you change about your Christian life that will help you rise above mediocrity and be an example of the high standard of Christ?
APPLICATION:
Trust God to help you have a testimony of the high standard of Christ!
