Keeping the bar as high as we can!

Scripture Read: Scripture Read: Titus 2:1-5 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Application:  There is a great principle here that I see can apply to anyone. It lifts the bar of our behavior to the highest level. The roles mentioned here “older men”, and “older women” covers all walks of life and even most ages. If you are 20 but have teenagers watching you, or if you are in High School but have kids in elementary watching you, the principle Paul communicates here applies. In essence every person should be the example that Paul is describing here. There are two reason for this. First, every other individual that we are connected to deserve to be treated as such. Second, the testimony of the Lord can become a great driving factor in our behavior. Reality being what it is, due to the sin nature we all possess, we need encouragement to focus our mind in a way that will spur us on to aspire to be what we should be. When we add what Paul does – the testimony of Your Word Lord, the bar is raised. The inner man in us – the new man – has a drive from the Holy Spirit to protect, love and honor our Lord and His reputation. When we see that goal, the drive to yield to the Spirit and His enabling becomes a powerful force against the flesh. We all wish we would be what we should be “just because”, but we thank You oh God that You have given these principles to help strengthen us. We would never want to bring Your Word into ridicule or shame by our behavior. This is what it means to be an Ambassador. Many believers struggle at times with accusations from the demonic realm that mock them as Your children based on their private life. We sense shame and sorrow for that. Yet but even in that realm this principle can be an encourager to us. We want to glorify You in front of man and spirit beings. So even when no one physical is around to see how we live we can keep before us that we would not want to dishonor You or Your Word before the Angelic, or demonic realm. Holy Spirit we pray that You keep this ever before us. We sense such great joy when we bring our Lord glory by allowing our character to reflect His. Thank You for Your coming alongside us and enabling us. God words cannot express our love for You!

* Meditation Questions: Do you ever think you are completely alone? Who’s image are you most concerned about, yours or His? How many people in the Bible looked good on the outside but were ugly on the inside? What did Jesus say about such people? Did you know the enemy lies to you about God, but doesn’t have to lie to God about you? What does that show?