Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Education for Liberation:The Christian Character in Action

Titus 2:1-5
v1You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.

In the months before his execution by the Nazis, Dietrich Bonheoffer wrote: “I fear that Christians, who stand with only one leg upon earth, also stand with only one leg in heaven.” His concern was for Christians who had disengaged themselves from the world, who could stand by and watch atrocities committed as if the Christian message or individual Christian responsibility had no bearing whatsoever upon earthly affairs. Education liberates one from darkness to light and from death to life. Education begins at home. Knowledge is power.
         
Today’s chapter deals with the Christian character in action in various ages, both men and women, young and old. Here Paul deals with the ethical and moral responsibility of a minister in various stage of his or her life. Titus was to teach the things which are proper for sound doctrine.

Paul begins with the senior men. That the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience. The older men had to be approached with love and wisdom, or they might easily be offended when taught by a younger man like Titus
           
It is very clear that in the early church the most responsible and honored position was given to the older women. If the older women have special challenges, they also have special opportunities. God can use their wisdom and experience as they admonish the young women. This gives the older women something positive to live towards, instead of the negative things of slander and alcohol abuse.
           
Paul encourages the Titus to teach the elderly to use their experience to guide and encourage, not to daunt and discourage. Paul educates all men and women live profoundly, love unconditionally and leave sacrificially.

 
PRAYER
O lord our heavenly father, strengthen your believers and ministers within the world that they may stand like a steadfast rock in the shifting sands of cancel culture. Help us to be sober, serious, prudent, and healthy in Christian faith and love and fortitude. Amen.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Keep our Church life free from outside persecution and free from inside dissension

P. T. Mathew, Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmers Branch
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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