Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Discipleship — Call for Mission

Titus 2: 1-15
 

“in all things, offering yourself as a model of good works and in your teaching offering integrity, gravity”
 

In his writing to Titus, Paul laid the framework through which Christian leaders are to be molded: sound teaching. The value of a good leader cannot be undermined. Thus, the emphasis on good teaching must lay at the heart of our mission as followers of Christ.

In Chapter 2, Paul places a strong emphasis on a believer’s pattern of conduct. Why is  this the case? In our daily lives, we ought to be fully conscious of the fact that what we say and do either glorify our Lord or discredit Him. We are familiar with the adage “practice what you preach”. However, we also must be just as careful with what we preach. In other words, what is the content of our teaching? If we preach in accordance with sound doctrine, then others around us will be edified. As a result, they will grow in the boldness of their witness to Christ.

Likewise, this sets off a chain reaction upon which an entire faith community can sprout and flourish. It all begins with one leader fully committed to the faithful teaching of the doctrine that undergirds Christianity.

Christian leaders have an obligation to cultivate future leaders. Through scripture, we have a treasure trove of wealth to pass onto those around us, but do we make it a point to enlighten others? As it was mentioned earlier, teaching lays at the heart of the Christian mission - not only in word but also in deed. We may nullify sound teaching through unsound practices. Without the proper exercise of self-control, our teaching may be devalued. What we learn in the classroom should be recollected and applied in the exam room. In doing so, we build up believers around us and witness Christ to an unbelieving world.

When we teach and live according to the doctrine of scripture, we prevent the enemy from getting a foothold in our lives. Moreover, this conduct of Christian living has all the makings of a fruit-bearing chain reaction.

 
Prayer

Lord Jesus, instruct us to be more vigilant and engaged as dispensers of the truth. You are the truth. Let’s not be dismissive of the part we have to play in the growth and edification of those around us. We pray that we may teach soundly and put those teachings into practice faithfully.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Thy word, the basis of all sound teaching, is a lamp unto my feet and the feet of those around me.

 

Christin Mathew
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York


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