Titus 2: 1-6….The new culture.

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behaviour, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

Comment: In yesterday’s passage there was a local poet’s description of the Cretan culture. Today we have a summary of what Christian culture is meant to be like. Obviously the matters of true faith and a desire to be what God wants us to be are underlying all this. But here we have a very practical comment on what various ages should be aware of – both to avoid and to practice, as Christians.

• Older men – should be established gentlemen. And the listed characteristics of what makes up a true gentleman are listed above.
• Older women – it is interesting that often people accuse Christianity of being anti-women, but here while listing several things which might be a problem (cupboard drinkers, gossips) emphasises their role in stabilising families and society.
• Young women – Are encouraged to be the centre of their family and examples who bring to God praise and not question His ways all the time.
• Young men – be self-controlled. This is relevant physically and morally, at an age when men tend to be a bit like bulls trying to prove their dominance both in physical strength and sexual prowess! Self-control is high on the list of Christian virtues.

Prayer: May I have the strength to choose Your idea of good Christian culture above that of the society in which I live.