Older Men

             Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. (Titus 2:2)

School is in session, and things are starting to ramp up from the summer “living must be easy” nonsense. Sorry, but one of my irritations for years has been that “life” gets set aside. It made sense when society was agrarian, but our society isn’t. In any case, Biblegateway.com is getting back to what pastors are supposed to do, starting with their focus for older men. No more coasting for them, and I suspect there won’t be coasting for younger men or older or younger women over the next few days.

Paul instructed Pastor Titus to teach older men. He wasn’t to assume that white hair meant wise or done. No coasting for older men.  Their dues aren’t paid. Their work isn’t done. It wasn’t time for them to kick back and enjoy life. Titus was to teach older men to be things that required effort and attention.

First, he was to teach them temperance. While this often refers to alcohol, temperance is a response that can be applied anywhere excess or addiction is a temptation.

Along with temperance, he was to teach them to be worthy of respect. This may be my main focus. What makes a person deserving of respect? I tend to have little respect for people in positions of authority, at least as a consequence of their position. White hair doesn’t do it either, nor does wealth or fame.

It shouldn’t be surprising that part of what makes someone worthy of respect is being temperate, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. All of these are aspects of a person’s character. As I think about people I respect, they tend to add a level of knowledge to these qualities. They may not be highly educated, but they have practical skills and knowledge and perhaps influence. This is why I respect many of my coworkers. Two other factors that come to mind are that people I respect tend to be honest. They also tend to be gentle – using no more strength than is necessary.

Titus was to teach self-control. At some point, the idea of self-control as being potty trained. It’s a crude way of seeing it, but it works. Someone with self-control doesn’t do what he should not do when and where he is. He’ll find the time and place that is appropriate and if he has an accident, he cleans up his own mess. Older men must be reminded that their being old doesn’t mean they can be irresponsible.

Lastly, Titus was to teach older men to be sound in love, faith, and in endurance. These bring to mind a type of sermon I’ve heard given too many times. Titus was to avoid fluffy, feel-good preaching. Warm fuzzies were not what the older men needed to hear. They needed to be reminded that they – old as they are – are still in the game. Still significant. Still capable of fighting battles and doing good. Just as we all do.