<p>2:7 <i>In all things show yourself as an example of good works- </i>This suggests a conscious self exhibition, of the kind Paul makes in 1 Tim. 1:13-15. This is not posing or posturing; it is a realistic acceptance of the fact that actions speak louder than words. In a largely illiterate congregation, the real teaching of the Christian life was by example, and not by appeal to words on scrolls or ancient manuscripts which were inaccessible to the majority. </p><p><i>In your teaching show integrity- </i>Lack of integrity in teaching is found in telling people what we perceive they want to hear, rather than what they need to hear from God.</p><p><i>Dignity</i>- The spirit of first century Crete was what we have today- a love of entertainment, light hearted joking and enjoyment. This is not to feature in teaching. We are dealing with ultimately serious issues, of eternity. And if we have grasped them, our teaching will likewise be with an appropriate dignity and soberness. The continual appeals for soberness NEV &quot;self-control&quot; were obviously needed in Crete and they are in our age no less.</p>