We learn way more from watching other people than we ever will from listening to them. When we don’t know what to do we watch others who have done it before us. I know its big to Google things, but when we are in a pinch, we will go to someone older and more experienced and seek their wisdom. This is an age-old method encouraged by Paul. The older generation is to train up the next generation.
Titus 2:3-5
“In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking. They are to teach what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and in submission to their husbands, so that God’s word will not be slandered.”
Be the Example
Before we ever speak a word of encouragement we need to be the model example. Too many people today want to talk and be the expert but not back it up with action. Paul tells us that we are to be reverent in our behavior and not given to excessive traits like slander or drinking. Our example is much easier to follow when it is backed up by solid, consistent action.
Encourage the Young
Nobody likes a lecture. Words fall on deaf ears when all we do is point out what is wrong. Instead, we are to take teachable moments and use them to guide the younger generation. Our tone should always be one of encouragement. Failure should never be final but a life lesson along the way. Our tone should still be to encourage and build up. No one is perfect, and if we get disappointed at every mistake, it will further pile on the guilt and embarrassment.
God Gets the Glory
The intended goal is that the next generation will glorify God in their actions. For young women that happens when they love their families, their homes are under control, and they are kind. When these are out of whack, we run the risk of slandering God’s word. Train up the next generation so that God gets the glory.