Titus 2 for Life

Helping ourselves and others transform the culture.

view A tribute to Joanie Engel, My Mentor

 Who ME - a MENTOR?!

There is a powerful reminder repeated throughout the Holy Scriptures. The Creator God instructs older generations to pass on the truth of His Word to younger generations. Sadly, many Christians seem unfamiliar with—or even irritated by—the instructions for life found in Titus, chapter 2. 

Perhaps one of the reasons why Titus 2 is so unpopular is because God’s Word through St. Paul to the young man Titus is gender-specific. Instructions from God that are gender-specific remind us of His created order and that being “equal” as male and female does not mean being “the same.” Women, in particular, take a defensive posture upon hearing verses 3-5. That’s because these verses instruct “older women” to teach “younger women” to be “homemakers,” to be “virtuous,” and to “place themselves under their husbands’ authority.” This flies in the face of modern feminism. Who wants to be a homemaker when they could be a doctor, lawyer, or corporate president? Who wants to be virtuous? (Isn’t that dangerously close to being “Victorian” and prudish?) How many women bristle when they are told they should “place themselves under their husbands’ authority”?

 The other reason that Titus 2 may be so unpopular is because it is a model for mentoring. Too many of us don’t think we are capable of mentoring. Have you ever thought, or been heard to say— 

·    “I’m not a role-model!”

·    “I’m nothing exceptional!”

·    “I’m just a homemaker!” or, “I’m just a common laborer!”

·    “I’m just a stay-at-home mom!” of, “I’m just a simple man!”

·    “I’ve made choices in my life that I’m not proud of!”

We, too, are living in a culture that embraces immoral and ungodly ideas. But, we have been blessed with a divine blueprint for holy living. If we trust that God’s Word is the same today as yesterday, we should also trust the importance of an older generation mentoring the younger. From God’s perspective, this is the best way for Christian men and women to transform the culture.

Over and over again, the Israelites were reminded to tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. (Psalm 78:4) These instructions hold promise! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed! (Psalm 112:1-2)

Mentoring is not a new concept. It is the model used by people of God from the very beginning. It is the model God wants us to use today. Titus 2 emphasizes the created order by making the model gender-specific. This is because God is the Father of order, not chaos. Modern feminists have worked long and hard to erase (or at least ignore) the differences between male and female. But God is the Creator of male and female! His divinely inspired instructions in Titus are gender specific because this is the best way to build a healthy culture for generations to come.

Evidence proves that at least two generations of men and women have not received the priceless gift of Christian mentoring. Instead, they have been left under the influence of worldly ideas. Here are some examples. The ideas of evolution mock God’s design for manhood and womanhood. The result: Men and women struggle with issues of identity when they doubt God’s order of creation and are without an appropriate role-model of the same gender. The ideas of modern feminism lead women on a quest for “power” and “rights.” The result: Many women are discontented, bitter, or hurting because they have been separated from home and family. The ideas of “playboy-ism” focus on self-gratification for men. The result: Many men are untrained and ill-equipped to engage the world and make it safer for women and children. The ideas of the worldly church compromise Law and Gospel. The result: Men and women cannot know how to make right choices or be forgiven of wrong choices.

It is for this reason that Christian fathers, mothers, grandparents, and other “older” mentors are needed. The “older” in age, experience, or faith are needed to train and equip those who are “younger” and perhaps more easily intimidated by the ways of the world. “Older” men are needed to teach young men “self-control,” to “set an example by doing what is good,” and to “show integrity” (Titus 2:6-7). “Older” women are needed to teach “younger” women “virtue,” “kindness,” and “love” for “husbands and children” (Titus 2:5). “Older” Christians are needed to relate stories and personal experiences that teach valuable lessons of life. But, in too many cases, the righteous call to mentor has been relinquished. Why? The reasons are many.

The call to mentor is ignored when we— 

• don’t know the Biblical mandate.

• think we have nothing to offer.  

• carry heavy baggage and assume we’re too sinful to pass on goodness.

• are intimidated by the “wisdom” of the world or by those younger than us who seem more intelligent, sophisticated, or talented.

• have decided we deserve a “break;” after all, we have given too much already and just need to step away from life’s daily battles.

• honestly don’t know where to begin or how to bridge the gap between “old” and “young.”

But, there is hope! Unpopular as it may be, the wisdom found in Titus 2 is as life-changing now as it was in St. Paul’s day. Those of us who believe that God’s Word is Truth can confidently and excitedly follow the model that has successfully served men and women since Adam and Eve.

The Christian life is said to be like a mountain-climbing experience. When we begin to climb (in our youth with energized enthusiasm), we see only the base and the high peak ahead with its challenges and dreams. As we climb (and grow older), we begin to see the bigger view – the panorama of God’s world all around us. We gain wisdom and knowledge by experiencing close calls and painful falls, victories and defeats. We begin to understand the mercy of Jesus Christ in our lives and His truth that never changes. At that point, we want to help others see the grandeur as they, too, struggle up – and over – the next peak.

“Younger” men and women long for the wisdom and help of those who have walked ahead of them. They do not need to see perfection. (It does not exist in a sinful world.) They do, however, need to see how sinful people fall on their knees with faces lifted to Jesus (1 John 1:9). They need to witness sorrow for sin and joy in forgiveness (Ps. 32:3-5). They need to see how to become “new creatures in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:17) so they can begin each day with new attitudes and behaviors (Eph. 4:22-24).

To mentor is to give a gift. Mentoring may teach a skill for life, warn against danger, or point toward hope. To receive mentoring is to be blessed. Those of us who are mentored can thank God for someone who cares enough to point out the path of life God desires for us and, in so doing, perhaps spare us pain and disappointment.

This is the reason for the Titus 2 for Life ministry. At present, it is creating opportunities to bring women of all ages, with all experiences, and in every stage of spiritual growth together for a time of encouragement, support, and equipping with God’s Word for life. It is a gathering of both single and married women, with children or without. It exposes the lies and speaks the truth. It motivates one woman to touch the life of another. It challenges women to bring out the best in men. It praises the vocations of fatherhood and motherhood. It encourages men and women to build a culture of life. Although the ministry of Titus 2 for Life seems primarily focused on women, a Bible study for men entitled Called to Remember is available for “older” and “younger” men. The 12-lesson Bible study entitled Men, Women, and Relationships: Building a Culture of Life Across the Generations is a helpful tool for both men and women (college age and older) to use in a women’s, men’s, or mixed group. (Both may be ordered from Lutherans For Life – see “Suggestions”.)

God does not create male and female and then abandon them to struggle alone through life in a sinful world. He lays out boundaries. (Psalm 16:5-6) He provides guidelines for living to men (Titus 2:1-2, 6-8) and women (2:3-5). His Word is filled with promise and hope. God’s saving kindness has appeared for the benefit of all people. It trains us to avoid ungodly lives filled with worldly desires so that we can live self-controlled, moral, and godly lives in this present world. At the same time, we can expect what we hope for – the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us to set us free from every sin and to cleanse us so that we can be His special people who are enthusiastic about doing good things (Titus 2:11-14). 

The men and women in St. Paul’s day found themselves in the midst of a troubled culture. But, God’s Word gave them a model that would transform the culture. “Older” men and women equipped the “younger” to lead godly lives, build families, and strengthen society with the gender-specific guidelines for life found in Titus 2:1-8 and the practice of generational faithfulness. Today’s Christian men and woman can do the same! Using God’s model for mentoring in Titus 2, we help transform the culture – one woman… one man… one child… one family… one friend… one neighbor… one community at a time. Believe it! And, trusting the discernment of the Holy Spirit and the mercy of Jesus Christ, put it into practice!

Suggestions for Mentoring

·        Start a Bible study using Men, Women, and Relationships: Building a Culture of Life Across the Generations. 12 lessons with leader’s guide help men and women -- single or married, in separate or mixed groups -- contrast God’s Truth with the world’s half-truths and deceptions. Order from Lutherans For Life on-line www.lutheransforlife.org or by calling (888) 364-LIFE or e-mailing info@lutheransforlife.org (Order #901BS - $10)

·         Plan a Titus 2 “tea,” “coffee” or retreat. Help older and younger women contrast ideas of the world with the Truth of God, trust their identity as daughters of God, and build healthy relationships. For more information, e-mail lindabartlett@mchsi.com or visit www.titus2-4life.org

·         Offer activities throughout the year that bring older and younger women together for a variety of teaching opportunities including Bible study, cooking or sewing classes, quilting, homemaking skills, or parenting classes. Include clients from your local caring pregnancy center. Connect women to the Word while mentoring skills for life!

·         Plan a Titus 2 “breakfast” or “cookout” for men. Challenge “older” men to invite “younger” men with the goal of establishing a mentoring relationship. Use Called to Remember (#302BS[S]) or Lesson #2 from Men, Women, and Relationships (#901BS) as the topic. Both may be ordered from Lutherans For Life.

·         Mentor young women about their dress and behavior by hosting the purity life-style show entitled Dressing for Life: Secrets of the Great Cover-up. The show concludes with the “perfect” dress -- the white wedding dress and what it means. Hostesses help with this interactive, educational fundraiser. For details, call Judy Hayen at (712) 425-3328.

·         Use the Bible study Dressing for Life with mothers and daughters or with girls in catechism class, youth group, or from your local CPC. Ten lessons include “Fig Leaves Aren’t Enough,” “The Look and Behavior of Love,” and “The Perfect Dress.” Available in CD or hard copy by e-mailing lindabartlett@mchsi.com or PDF format from www.lutheransforlife.org ($15 plus postage)

·         Give the booklet Generations of Hope for Generations to Come (#906B) as a gift for parents, grandparents, family life directors, DCEs, or other mentors. This teaching tool helps bridge the gap between generations and works well as a discussion guide. Order by calling (888) 364-LIFE ($2)

·         Host a Titus 2 Training Retreat for clergy wives, pro-life leaders, CPC staff and volunteers, family life groups, or young moms. For details, call Judy (see above) or e-mail lindabartlett@mchsi.com

·         Give God’s Word for Life to your children, nephews and nieces, and grandchildren. This Bible offers commentary on assorted life issues including Biblical manhood and womanhood. Order by calling (888) 364-LIFE.

TITUS 2 FOR LIFE is a ministry outreach of

WORD OF HOPE (888) 217-8679