After two previous verses
that we have studied from Paul the apostle's writings to Titus, we
might think that he had adequately addressed the aged women.
However, Paul has one more verse of exhortation for Titus in
addressing aged women. His words in chapter two and verse five were
very challenging for Paul's day, and they are probably even more so
today. He wrote:
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not
blasphemed.
In addition to aged women
behaving holy, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers
of good things such as teaching young women to be sober while loving
their husbands and children, Paul instructs Titus to teach aged women
to be and teach the way of being “discreet”. The idea is
that they will be of a sound mind, within their senses, and curbing
desires and impulses. They must be self-controlled, and temperate. In
other words they are not to be as unbridled animals, but rather
within bounds. An indiscriminate woman is often a disgrace upon
herself, her family and friends. Paul says, Titus, teach aged women
to be and teach young women to be discreet.
Next Paul adds that
aged women are to be and teach young women how to be “chaste”
which means excitingly reverent, venerable, sacred, pure from
carnality and modest. They are to be “clean.”
Purity in word, dress, locations and attitude is very important to
keeping a home that is honorable before God. The lack of chastity
does much to destroy a home especially when an aged woman or young
woman has no regard for how she acts or behaves before others.
Along with being discreet
and chaste, Paul says that aged women are to be and teach being
“keepers at home.” Women are fantastic in most cases of
setting the tone of the home. This tone is reflected by how an aged
woman and young woman cares for her house as a watcher and keeper of
household affairs. Today many women work outside of the home in our
society, however, when they are in their homes, the way they keep
their homes will affect everyone who lives there.
Paul says that aged women
are to be and teach how to be“good”. The simplicity of
being “good” may seem trivial, but the emphasis by Paul implies
the necessity of it. The idea insinuated is that she is to be of good
constitution or nature. She is to be useful, salutary, pleasant,
agreeable, joyful, happy and honorable. This enviable attitude is a
blessing in any home, and when an aged woman or young woman
exemplifies this behavior the entire home is affected by it.
In addition to being “good”
aged women are also to be and teach how to be “obedient to their
own husbands.” This one line is probably one of the most
difficult for women to comply with today. The idea of obedience seems
so derogatory to many, but the understanding of the word is “to
arrange under, to subordinate, be subject to one's control”. It
means to yield to one's admonition or advise which denotes
conversation and input from the aged woman. This never means to be a
“doormat” but rather one who contributes and yet yields to the
decision that is made. The key to obedience to this directive is to
realize that subjection to this doctrine is to be subject toward God
rather than just to their husband.
The final part of this
verse gives us the reason that the previous traits must be taught to
aged women, “that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
Herein lies the importance of
Titus teaching the aged women to teach the young women the previously
mentioned doctrine. God's word may be blasphemed if the aged women
and young women do not practice these traits. Acting one way in the
church and another way at home only brings reproach upon the word of
God. Poor behavior and disregard to God's ways only confuses those
who observe Christian women whether young or aged, and this behavior
can lead to unbelief. The word of God is in effect reproached, and
those who are onlookers will rail, revile, calumniate, and blaspheme
the very God who gave this doctrine. No Godly woman should desire
that the word of God is disrespected because of their attitudes and
behaviors, and obedience to these characteristics will insure that it
is not.
Next
time we will discover Paul's exhortation to Titus for young men, so
read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites,
www.amazon.com
; www.barnesandnobles.com
; download
to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
No comments:
Post a Comment