Men’s Relationships 103
Temperate

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-6

Key Verse: Titus 2:1-2

You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

This week we will be looking at how men operate within relationships. Of course, all men are not the same. I believe there are similar traits that characterize men and I want to highlight these and find instruction for men.

The Apostle Paul instructs Titus to teach men to be temperate. Temperate speaks of moderation, not being extreme. Most men struggle in this area of extremes. We will nit-pick at our wife’s purchase of a small item and then go make a wildly more expensive purchase ourselves. After that purchase, they will swing back into an extremely cautious mode concerning money!

Another area of extremes for men is in our discipline of children. Far too many men will be extremely disengaged in what is happening with the children then, when mom is exasperated, dad jumps in the middle with extreme measures. Anger erupts and the home is in turmoil!

One more typical area of extremes for men is in our effort to love our wives. Too many of us shrug off our responsibility to her until there is a “blow up,” then we swing into action. We engage in the relationships with lots of energy until we feel all is well. Too often we swing back into disengagement quickly.

The Apostle Paul pleads for temperance and moderation. We should level out our extremes and bring consistency into our lives. Let’s be real about our tendencies and work to improve our relationships.

Father, I want to be a man of God. I want to be consistent in my actions and reactions to life. Please give me strength and wisdom for today’s journey. In Jesus’ Name, amen.