Titus 2:6 (AMP)
6 In a similar way urge the young men to be sensible and self-controlled and to behave wisely [taking life seriously].
Paul is urging Titus to preach sound doctrine because many false teachers had arisen in their generation which is still the case today. Sound doctrine produces fruit in our lives, fruit that distinguishes us from the world. We have looked at the standard for older men older women and younger women; today we look at younger men.
The young men are urged to be sensible meaning they have to do things in accordance to wisdom and prudence. They have to be rational responsible and reasonable in the way they live life and interact with others. In all this their governing factor should be the word of God.
One of the fruit of the Holy Spirit is self-control and the young men are urged to be self-controlled. We live in a world where lots of young men are living a life of over indulgence because they have allowed their passions and appetites to be the driving force in their life. Drunkenness and all manner of addictions have become the order of the day because of lack of self-discipline.
Proverbs 25:28 (AMP)
28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected] Is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble].
That’s an eye-opening scripture. Basically, one who lacks self-control is one whose life is open to all manner of attacks because the walls are broken down leaving him without protection. Sadly that is how many young men are living, a reckless life that becomes full of regret later on.
Young men are urged to take life seriously and behave wisely. One of the things young men say is that they want to enjoy life and in doing so they tend to gravitate towards the things that destroy life and not enhance it. What a contradiction. Understanding what life is and why God gave it to us is the first step towards enjoying it. Jesus said that He came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. One can only take life seriously after they get a revelation of Jesus and why He came because He is the way the truth and the life!
Reflections
In which area of your life currently do you need discipline and self control?
What are you going to do about it?
Young men are urged to take their life seriously, what does that statement mean to you?
