Titus, Part TwoSample

Learning from one another

“Older women likewise are ... to teach what is good” (Titus 2:3).

You are not a Christian on your own. Nor do you grow in faith and discipleship on your own. You are part of the worldwide church, including all kinds of human relationships. We have already seen that Paul addressed Titus as his child in the faith and wrote him a letter full of advice. I can well imagine that Titus was thankful for the love and wisdom of a brother with much more experience in the faith and missionary work than Titus himself did!

It is important to note that Titus, as a young male missionary, should not go to the young women in the congregation himself. He is not the one to teach them how to deal with their husbands and children; the older women in the congregation are much better suited for that. After all, they are experienced and know what they are talking about. Moreover, this avoids any hint of inappropriate behavior between a pastor and his church members. It is good to be thoughtful and act wisely, also with regard to contacts within the church.

Many young people don’t automatically take advice from elders. What about you? How can conversations between older and younger church members be of value to both?