Titus 2:2 was my verse of the day. Paul's letters to Titus are full of good instructions for living well in all seasons of life. He speaks about living well in community. Today's verse addresses older men, but it has good lessons for everyone.
"Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience." -Titus 2:2
One of Dad's favorite sayings was, "It takes a long time to screw an old man's head on a young man's body." In other words, maturity takes time, life lessons, mistakes, and experiences. You can read for wisdom and forget the instruction. Living the mistakes and victories makes them stick.
Lessons in self control are even more challenging in a world with social media. Never have we lived in a world where it is more challenging to sort out truth from fiction and A.I. Things are said and done that cannot be unseen and undone. The internet has a long memory. Wise words are better than words spewed in anger.
Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it necessary? Does it show love and patience? Self control is an exercise every day that is worth practicing. If something needs to be spoken, let it brew, let it stew, and let His word lead the conversation. Not in bits and pieces, but in context with self control.
Today, I am grateful for lessons in self control.
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