Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 FAMILY: PLACE OF FAITH FORMATION

TITUS  2:1-8
v7 “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness” 

In this passage, Paul is addressing Titus, and giving him instruction on teaching the church in Crete. In doing so, Paul is also addressing the church at large; he is speaking to each one of us.
Paul tells us what should be taught to different groups of believers, in terms of Godly behavior and attitude. These different groups include: older men, younger men, older women and younger women. Each one of us can identify with one of these age groups.
But how can we do this? Verse 7 tells us “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness”. How EXACTLY can we teach those in age groups different from our own? The answer is simple: by our example...by doing what is good.
Culturally, we are told that it is the older generation who teaches the younger generation. The assumption is that the older generation is “already there” - that they have no more to learn, only to teach. In this passage, Paul is clear in telling us to “teach the older men” and “teach the older women.” Godly wisdom has no end. We are learning and growing in Christ always, regardless of our age. Many times, we learn as much from our elders as we do from those younger to us. The wisdom we gain in our life experiences as parents, older sisters and brothers, and mentors is just as valuable as that gained by those on the other end. The spiritual growth is mutual, and unending.
There is no better context for the growth of faith than the family. Many of the qualities that Paul tells us to teach to the different age groups - self-control, faithfulness, reverence, kindness, integrity - are taught and tested over and over in the routines of daily family life. Taught and tested, by all and to all, regardless of age or position within the family. May our example be good, for our own sake and for the sake of our families, and always for the glory of God.

PRAYER
Dear Lord, we praise You and thank You for the blessing of family. Teach us your way, so that we may teach our children by our example. Open our hearts as parents, and help us to parent with grace, so that we may continue to grow daily in You. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
We must always strive to grow in Godly wisdom.

Dr.Sheeja  Thomas
The Mar Thoma Church Staten Island
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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