Titus 2:1-6

"But as for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine. Tell the older men to be temperate, serious, prudent, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.

Likewise, tell the older women to be reverent in behavior, not to be slanderers or slaves to drink; they are to teach what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, chaste, good managers of the household, kind, being submissive to their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.

 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled" (Titus 2:1-6).

 

Comment:

You asked specifically about Titus 2:5; I think it's helpful to take one step back to appreciate that verse in the context of the larger statement.

We know Titus, like Timothy, to have been a follower of Paul's who, perhaps, tried to continue Paul's correspondence with his churches after Paul was gone. Certainly, this passage echoes ideas found particularly in Ephesians 5. And it is equally problematic today, in particular the admonishment that wives should be submissive to their husbands.

I think taking one step back allows us to see the context in which verse five is set. Like Paul, the author of Titus is writing within the accepted conventions of the world at that time. Notice the admonishment in verse three that slaves should not drink. Does that (and other) references mean that slavery should continue to be an integral part of society today? As Jesus tried to make perfectly clear in his ministry, we are to advance in wisdom and understanding as our spiritual journey continues, expanding our ability to use love rather than obedience as the basic energy of our communities. 

So the greater meaning of the passage, to me, is a gentle reminder that we all have roles we've chosen in this life experience. We are to embrace those roles while, at the same time, we contribute our own energy to expanding the Light and Love expressing through every role. We cannot be defined or limited by these roles—we are eternal and infinite beings of Spirit. They are rather important and useful vessels through which infinite Love can express and expand.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed