May 29th, 2022: Getting Old Graciously

 

Titus 2: 2

 

"Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness."

Ad I am getting older, I spend a lot of time thinking about how I can pass on what I have learned to many younger folks. This verse has been in my mind for a while now.

What does it mean to be sober-minded? The first thought that comes to my mind is to be sensible. The older we get, the more we need to learn how not to take ourselves so seriously. Being sober-minded is learning how not to be entangled by the world. Seeking simplicity plays a significant part in being sober-minded.

Having self-control demands being more honest with our broken condition. We become more aware of our weaknesses in dealing with temptation. Godly discernment helps us when we are tested. Having self-control needs to be motivated by loving God and others. We consider people in our lives as God's gifts and not a commodity.

Being sound in faith means learning how to integrate our faith in all aspects of life. Going to church is just one of the many ways of living out our faith. We are able to see God in action wherever we are and whoever we are with. God is a lot bigger when we are sound in faith. We are no longer content with the religiosity of faith. We long for the true power that comes from having faith.

Wisdom doesn't always come with age. Maybe this is how we attain wisdom as well.