Written by Rian Dickson (Sophomore at NHCC)
Scripture:
Titus 2:1-10 (NIV)
“You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live…so that no one will malign the word of God. In everything, set them an example by doing what is good…”
Observation:
Paul lays out a clear picture of what it looks like to live according to sound doctrine. He isn’t just giving a list of rules—he’s describing what happens when people truly let God’s Word shape their lives. He’s talking about real transformation, the kind that impacts how we live, how we disciple others, and how we reflect Christ to the world.
Priscilla Shirer’s words hit home: “Making sense of God’s call is not a prerequisite for following it. His word and His promises are enough.” If I’ve learned anything in my walk with the Lord, it’s that obedience often comes before understanding. Paul didn’t tell Titus to wait until he had all the answers—he told him to live out the truth and teach others to do the same. That’s what faith looks like: moving forward in trust, knowing that clarity will come in obedience.
Application:
Right now, my life is full of things I don’t have all the answers for. I’m pursuing my degree in Creative Arts, growing in photography and branding, and balancing work, ministry, and school. I know God called me to Oregon, and He’s given me a vision for using my creativity to serve small businesses and ministries. But if I’m honest, there are still moments I wonder how it’s all going to come together. How will I sustain myself? How will I build this business? How will I juggle it all and still stay focused on what really matters? This passage reminds me that my job isn’t to have all the answers—it’s to walk in obedience. Paul tells Titus to teach and live out sound doctrine, not once he has everything figured out, but now. The same goes for me. Right now, I can honor God by showing up with excellence in my classes, by serving others with my creativity, and by trusting Him to provide the next steps. I don’t need to know exactly how my future will unfold. I just need to stay faithful with what He’s put in front of me today. What makes this even more precious is knowing that my obedience isn’t just about me—it’s about my family and the generations that will come after me. Every decision I make to follow God’s call, even when it doesn’t make sense, is planting seeds that will bear fruit in the lives of my future children and their children. The faithfulness I choose today will be part of my family’s testimony. That’s a legacy worth fighting for.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for reminding me that I don’t need to have everything figured out to follow You. Help me to trust in Your word and Your promises, even when the path ahead isn’t clear. Give me the faith to walk in obedience, knowing that You are leading me. Shape my life to reflect Your truth, and let me be an example of faithfulness to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
