Do you know what you are aiming for as you grow older? Titus

Titus 2:2

Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

Paul is instructing Titus, a young pastor, how to established order in the church and chruches.  Paul sent Titus to establish elders in each of the churches in his area (Titus 1:5).   In that instruction, as Paul reaches the end of the book, he provides Titus with some insight as to how various categories of believers ought to act in this world.   Along with older women and slaves, the above passage is directed to Titus concerning older men (that's me!!).   This is a very enlightened list for those of older nature.    By "older" we assume Paul is referring to "chronological" age, rather than "spiritual" age.    That may be a mistake to assume such.   I believe Paul is talking chronologically (which is why he tells Titus and Timothy to let no one to despise their youth ... 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:15).   Yet, we must remember that in the time of the early church there would be less men in a new church (remember, Titus is still establishing these churches ... hence, they are probably "new" churches filled with "new" converts).  It is highly likely that Titus has more spiritual depth and is chronologically young, while spiritually the elder.    Titus is being told to establish "elders."   These are not older men, but men with spiritual depth.   Whatever the case, the instruction is plain.   Those older in the faith .... who might be older chronologically ... are to be self-controlled in their conduct (temperate); august and venerable in their outward life (dignified); self-controlled in their minds (sensible); grounded and strong in faith (sound) and not easily ready to quit and give in to the pressures of the Christian life (perseverance).   This should be the aim of all younger men (either by chronological age or spiritual age).  We ought to know the mark we are to hit as we grow older.   Our "retirement" goals are not financial; they are not in the realm of stability; they are not for the purpose of personal security.   Our retirement goals are listed out plain and simple above:  Be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love and in perseverance.   Simple!!