It’s not very often I laugh out loud when I read something in my bible. This morning, I almost did. And that because, for the first time, as I read in Titus, I realized I was reading something specifically addressed to me. Not really a laughing matter . . . but kinda’ . . .

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.

(Titus 2:1-2 ESV)

Older men . . . That’s what caused a double take, evoked a smile, and produced a chuckle. Paul’s writing to Titus about old men, about aged men. Oh brother! Paul’s writing to Titus about me!

I say, “Sixty-five” and it sounds old. I look at sixty-five in the mirror, and it kind of looks old. But, I do sixty-five and I don’t feel old . . . whatever old feels like.

But, if I’m gonna be real, I am one of the older men Paul’s talking about here. So, listen up old man, ’cause the word of God made alive by the Spirit of God is speaking to you — specifically to you — this morning.

And that which Paul presents as the old man’s “to be” list is in fact that which accords with sound doctrine. It’s resulting behaviors that should be born from right beliefs. The fitting fruit of following Jesus. The persona produced from persistently participating in the sanctifying work of the Spirit. For us aged men, it’s the way of those who have determined, by God’s grace, to be disciples.

Being an older man doesn’t mean I can be a coasting man, or a drifting man, or an I-don’t-care-what-others-think-of-me man. My work’s not done, the race is not yet won. I don’t get to retire, for the good fight still needs to be fought. I don’t get to self-select for the sidelines for there’s still a stewardship entrusted to me.

What I do get to do, however, is present as one who has a few years under his belt and has learned a thing or two about following Jesus. To be someone with tales to tell about what it’s meant to deny one’s self and take up a cross (Mt. 16:24); with stories to share about dealing with perpetual thorns of weakness (2Cor. 12:7-9); with a narrative of need for a Savior as much today as when I first believed (1Tim. 1:15).

Paul tells Titus to remind us old guys that character counts. And that character comes only through Christ. And that character needs to be communicated. Because Christ-created character is needed in the community of believers and as salt and light in the world.

Oh Father, fulfill Your promise to conform me (Rom. 8:29).

Oh Spirit, continue Your work to transform me (Rom. 12:2).

Oh, blessed Son, how I need You to sojourn with me, as we (Gal. 2:20) live out what it looks like to be an old man for Jesus.

Only by Your grace. Only for Your glory.