The strength and stamina of young men can be useful assets for church growth. The energy possessed by young men can be instruments in church planting, evangelical crusades and even personal level evangelism. However, it is also possible that the same young men can become a snare to the church if their energies are channeled into wrong endeavours. Therefore, it is important for the church to acknowledge the presence of young men, train and equip them, and institute mentorship programs to aid their spiritual growth. If these are done with intentionality, the church would raise a formidable army of young men who are resilient and ready at all times to be kingdom ambassadors. As Paul delivered instructions to Titus on how to deal with different groups of people in the church, Paul also implored Titus on how to deal with the young men.
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. (Titus 2:6)
In Titus 2:6-8, Paul admonished Titus this: “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.” To Paul, self-control is a virtue that the young men need to possess. Thus, the ability for the young men to control themselves, in particular their emotions and desires or the expression of their behavior, especially in difficult situations or when emotionally charged is very important. Without self-control, the young man is like a city without walls, he can get easily broken through. Titus was also expected by Paul to set them an example by doing what is good in everything. In other words, as the young men look up to Titus, they should see an example worth emulating. As a young man, Titus was expected to show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned in his teaching. Like a mirror, the life of Titus was expected to reflect the message he was teaching. These days, many preachers do not practice what they preach. They hide under the cover of their authority and commit outrageous sins that they themselves would ostracize their members for. Paul’s message was clear: Titus should practice what he was preaching.
According to Paul, living a life without blemish will silence those who oppose Titus. In the words of Paul, “so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Our lives as believers attract good or bad comments from people all over. If we live contrary to what we practice, we are likely to face backlash and opposition from others. Christian young men are expected to glorify God with their lifestyles. If there is no difference between us and the world, our message is of no power. In a world where social vices are rampant, having a generation of godly young men who are ready to make a positive impact in the nations is the way to go.
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