Titus 2:6-7 “encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good.”

Father’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate Dads, but it also raises a bigger question: who is helping shape the next generation of men?

There is pointed conversation today about the “manosphere” and the messages young men are hearing about power, success and identity. Many of those voices tell young men to use their strength primarily for themselves. Scripture points in a different direction. In Titus 2, older believers are told to encourage younger men towards self-control and to set an example by doing what is good.

Young men are often strong, energetic and willing to take risks. That is not a problem to solve. It is a gift to shape. Throughout my life I have seen the value of older men helping younger men learn restraint, wisdom and responsibility. Strength becomes a blessing when it is used for the good of others.

Many of us learnt this first at home. The way a father treats his wife, daughters, sons and others teaches lessons every day. Respect, character and self-control are caught, not just taught. Younger men learn not only from what we say, but from how we live.

Titus places this responsibility on older men. Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, mature Christian men matter. The church has always been a place where the older generation helps form the next.

If I am honest, this is an area where we can grow as a church. Surely, Titus was never meant to do this work alone. The expectation would have been that mature men would help shape the next generation through example, encouragement and friendship. We are looking for men who will build relationships, set an example and help younger men use their strength with restraint, humility and courage for the good of others. Our young men need it. Our families need it. Our community needs it.

In Him,

Jason

Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash