Titus 2:3

Those who have read with me for a while (or know me personally) are aware that I absolutely, certifiably, qualify as one of Titus 2:3’s aged women. I am tasked with behaving certain ways.

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; (Titus 2:3 KJV)

My behavior is on display daily as I come in contact with a variety of people. It speaks loudly as to whether or not I’m successful.

It’s the next two verses that I enjoy the most:

That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. (Titus 2:4-5 KJV)

I have a bit of trouble with the sober part. No, nothing to do with alcohol, but it’s the giggles. There were so many of them today during our Senior Saints Game Day. Whether it was dominoes, Bendominoes, Skip Bo, Toss Up, Uno, Bible Trivia, there were a lot of giggles from those of us who qualify for Titus 2:3. We didn’t see a lot of seriousness today and a great deal of playfulness. Yet we see moderation and realistic outlooks, so sober does fit.

No problems at all with love their husbands. I’ve loved mine for more than 48 years now. Other Seniors at game day will celebrate their 58th this year. Husbands are our greatest investment. Oh, what returns on that investment we do receive! We spend time not only on him, but for him. We uplift him in our prayers and let him know how grateful we are that we are walking together with God.

There may be a problem now and again with love their children. There are times when our children terrify us. We fear for their very souls at times. Certainly for their lives. I have been with a mother who lost a baby at birth, another at five and still another in their sixties. Whether the mother is 20 or 90, not one understands outliving their child. For a Christian mother, it is painful to consider eternity without their child. So, we pray. And, we love.

We look for our young women to understand that being discreet and chaste is for everyone’s good. For them it builds strong character and enhances their witness. Both characteristics show respect for themselves and for those around them Everyone benefits.

Way down on the list is for them to be keepers at home. And that doesn't require being a Stay At Home Mom (though that's a great goal.) Priscilla and Lydia did not give up professions to follow Christ. Tent making and purple selling continued. Our Proverbs 31 virtuous woman bought and sold fields while the heart of her husband safely trusted in her.

Back to husbands – now we are to be obedient. There are several other verses that explain why.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22 KJV)
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. (Colossians 3:18 KJV)

The reason why is awesome. A portrait of Christ and His church.

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. (Ephesians 5:23-24 KJV)

Again – Why? … that the word of God be not blasphemed. (Titus 2:5 KJV)

Let me know if I’m not doing my part, and I’ll do the same.

Graphic from "The Bible Revival"