Friday, December 01, 2006
Instructions for Life on Earth
As Christians, we look forward to heaven, but for a short time, we must live here on earth. We are citizens of God's kingdom, just passing through this world. No wonder I feel so odd, so different sometimes from the world around me. I'm an alien, a stranger in this world, living on this earth for a short while on my way to a heavenly destination. While here, our lives will not pattern the rest of the world. Instead, our lives should clearly reflect the will of God. In Titus, we find instructions for how to do this.
Titus 2:1-8
"Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
Notice a theme of self control for all people. I have the "be busy at home" down. No problem there. But in all other areas I still need work. We can use the Armor of God to practice and gain more self control over appetite and all areas of our lives.
When Satan shoots arrows at me trying to get me to lose my self control, I will hold up my shield of faith. I will pray and call upon the Lord to help me be strong while living my short life here on earth.
Titus 2:1-8
"Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
Notice a theme of self control for all people. I have the "be busy at home" down. No problem there. But in all other areas I still need work. We can use the Armor of God to practice and gain more self control over appetite and all areas of our lives.
When Satan shoots arrows at me trying to get me to lose my self control, I will hold up my shield of faith. I will pray and call upon the Lord to help me be strong while living my short life here on earth.
# posted by Karen Whitson @ 5:42 AM 
