YOUNG MEN. Titus 2:6 Paul left the teaching of young women to older women to avoid any appearance of evil or ill intent. The call for young men to exercise self-control was suitable for Titus to teach. Young men are often energetic, zealous, and eager to face the challenges of faith directly, without always considering how their actions influence their message. How we present ourselves to others is part of our duty to exemplify the message we share.
It is crucial that those delivering a message from the Lord to the people do not come across as “fly-by-nights,” but are balanced, thoughtful, and self-controlled individuals who can be trusted. The daily conduct and consistency of young men in their devotion to the Lord make those who observe and hear them take the message seriously.
Young men were given a new direction in the Christian faith, emphasizing their role as those who nurture and guide others by example rather than simply being authority figures whose main purpose is to control. Many fathers have neglected their responsibilities to their children and spouses, instead of serving as examples for young men on how to lead and care for those under their charge. Each man must be wise in his interactions with older men, older women, and younger women.
The demands on a leader include not only how he lives but also what he says. He needs to be a person of self-control, whose actions serve a good purpose, and whose teachings are sound. He should be considerate of others, ready to help them, devoted to the Lord, and honest in his dealings with people. He has responsibilities to fulfill and should be exemplary in conduct and actions, avoiding any reasons for accusations against himself and the Lord he serves. Such character traits distinguish committed Christians as role models who understand the importance of recognizing and teaching what is right.
Young men should be consistent models of integrity, respect, reverence, and morality. They must be aware of who they are as representatives of our Lord and His Gospel. What they teach is biblical and relevant, just like faithful teachers of the past. Such teaching began with our Lord Jesus, then the apostles, and after them, men who did not add to or take away from the revealed will of God in the scriptures.
There is a clear sense of the importance of being a servant of God who teaches His truth, which is evident in their sensible attitude and dignity toward their calling. Such a person will not give in to pressure or temptation to compromise the truth to please others. What he says is “sound speech” that will not confuse people, nor will it be rude, crude, or lightweight. His holy life will make the truth he teaches effective and, hopefully, accepted by those who listen.