Teach Me Your Ways
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
In a 2025 Pew poll, we learn that men don't read like women, but that in the US, that isn't saying much. Almost half the respondents (48.6%) say they haven't read in the past year. 51.4% of those who haven't read are men. Ages 45 - 60 (both genders) are the highest number of non-readers at just over 60%.
What do we do with our time? We watch/use screen time/TV a USA Today poll said. We stream, watch sports, or are into gaming mostly. If this upcoming NFL season is accurate, I'll need to subscribe to at least four different streaming services just to watch Kansas City, one of the more popular teams and the favorite in this household. So I'm streaming/watching sports simultaneously as well (as much as I like KC, it ain't happening by the way).
In my own personal survey/observations, most of us who participate in men's activities are within the age range of 45 - 80 years old. I attribute that to available time as men who are retired or no longer have children at home. I know if I send out a devotion via link (Google blog), it reports most that click the link are around my age on a computer.
As men of God, disciples, and spiritual leaders in our own homes, the passage today tells us why we should be imbedded in scripture daily. We are teachers and learners as disciples (followers and imitators of Christ). First, our kids learn that passage in early confirmation, so they are going to know it. Secondly, and most importantly, we learn it to "teach, redirect, correct and train our children" in Christ's ways. As a follower of Christ, we are teachers and/or learners. We learn how to be a follower of Christ and we teach, mostly through modeling, what that means.
Pray with me: Gracious Father, your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Teach me your ways, your laws, your statutes, and search me to help me see where I may need to grow. We give thanks for your Word and those who give us insight into your Word, teachers, to help us find ways to connect that Word to those we ourselves teach. Help us to find ways to connect that Word to those who we encounter who may not know your Word. We want to be disciples who make disciples, starting in our homes and moving outward to our neighbors. In Christ's name, Amen.