There are many DYI TV shows that tell us new and inventive ways to solve household problems or ways to cook more attractive meals. We try to copy what others have done because it looks “so easy”. Sometimes we “nail it” and sometimes we don’t. There is a website that shows the times of not nailing it. I would fall into the later category more often than not. But I like to keep trying.

Paul is telling Titus to DO IT YOURSELF! We must not ever teach what we are not willing to be or have lived ourselves. That is shallow teaching to say it and not live it. It is teaching that begins to reek of worldview. We must live it first, it seems, so that we understand it and can be more helpful to others. With every life transformation in us becomes a way to help someone else.

“Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine. Guide older men into lives of temperance, dignity and wisdom into healthy faith, love and endurance. Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness.” Titus 2, Msg

Paul is reminding Titus that our behavior must match our belief, our doctrine preached must match our demeanor. He also reminds Titus to show the older, more mature, men and women to help the younger. Experience is one of the best teachers!

“But, mostly, show them all this by doing it yourself, incorruptible in your teaching, your words solid and sane. Then anyone who is dead set against us, when he finds nothing weird or misguided, might eventually come around.” Titus 2, Msg

Our lives speak louder than our words. A God-filled life, lived abundantly, will shout out to others seeking to fill the created hole in their lives put there by God himself. That hole can only be filled with Him. That’s what we show…then tell…then show some more.

Dear Heavenly Father, Help me to remember to be concerned more with my behavior than the wisdom and placement of my words. If I am living a life pleasing to You, YOU will give me the words at just the right time and place to help someone else along in their journey. Thank you for this reminder this morning. In Jesus Name, Amen