Titus 2:2

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance ~ Titus 2:2

I have heard it said that Christians don’t have a retirement package. In other words, there is never an end to serving, and here in Paul’s words, there should never be an end to learning. Our age is not a significant factor in what we should learn and what we should be taught. God’s school is for any age, irrespective. Every man, according to Paul, is to press forward in learning so as to be an example to the young, who may need encouragement in the ways of God. Plus, an older man is not void of entangling themselves in the sins of a younger man, so he must be controlled in his actions. Human nature has a way of ensuring the temptations are as real when we are old as when we are young. A faithful man, a loyal man, a god-fearing man earns respect from all ages, and he has the opportunity to be a living example to the young. Unfortunately, we live in a society in our western world which does not easily value the wisdom of the older person. Families here are separated by generations. The young adults live alone, the parents do as well, and the aged too live either on their own or in retirement facilities; the family unit coming together only on special occasions. No longer is the family an entity under one roof where the young can go to grandma and grandpa for help, to just sit and talk, or to ask for advice. So much is lost to the young who cannot easily go and sit with the elders of their family. A man of faith and of wisdom is a great asset to a home and a family. We need more influence from our elders, and we as elders need to find ways to talk to the generations behind us so that we can be their spiritual guide and encourager.