photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography
Last time I looked at some advice for being a mature man, and so it would not be fair if I didn’t also include the ladies.
Titus 2:3-5 (CEB)
Tell the older women to be reverent in their behavior, teaching what is good, rather than being gossips or addicted to heavy drinking. That way they can mentor young women to love their husbands and children, and to be sensible, morally pure, working at home, kind and submissive to their own husbands, so that God’s word won’t be ridiculed.
Titus chapter two is Paul’s advocation for teaching sound doctrine, especially in contrast with false teachers. Paul starts this chapter addressing community households and he begins in a hierarchal fashion starting first with old men, then old women, then young men, then slaves….
In this passage, I don’t think Paul really asks women to be any different role models than men; several of the key conducts are identical. Also, in Greek plays, the “old woman” was a stereotype of being a comical gossip, but here Paul is lifting the role of a mature woman out of the dregs and reminding her of her greatest role; and look to what heights he has lifted her.
“Don’t forget, the best part you can play is that of a mentor, a teacher, a wife and model Christian.”
Even though some of the advice Paul gives seems dated or sexist through our 2012 lens, the real point Paul is trying to make is for women not to act in any way that sheds a negative light on their lives as believers.
And this is just a mirrored statement that reflects what Paul said earlier about men – our lives are held up to scrutiny and so to keep clear the line between followers of the faith and “everyone else” be sure that you act accordingly.
Because who is teaching the younger Christian women of today? Who is shaping their family values? Beyonce? Lady Gaga, Oprah?
Clearly I am out of touch with the younger scene, but you know what I am trying to say?
The world is sending all kinds of negative messages to our young women: messages about body image, self – worth, messages about what is owed them, messages about how they deserve to be treated, even messages about the value and worth of children.
Now more than ever we need mature mothers and wives to take an active voice in guiding young minds.
There is more to life than drama and beer – teach the next generation how to love. You don’t have to live a life that keeps you barefoot and pregnant, but live a life that brings glory to God and sets an example for those who look up to you.
