Be Reverent

Paul writes in Titus 2:3 

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Today we begin by  looking at ways we, as older women can follow these instructions:

• Be reverent in the way we live
• Don't be slanderers
• Don't be addicted to too much wine
• Teach what is good

That's a big list! 

How can we go about this? We can start at the beginning, being reverent in the way we live. Age is not a precursor to living reverently. God wants all of us to live reverently, showing His love in our deeds, words and actions. Rachelle Fleming writes

In the normal course of life, this would be a reference to a godly woman who has done the work of raising her own family and honoring her husband. In God’s design, the task of discipling young women belongs to older women who have built God’s principles for living into their lives – women who are intentional about developing Truth-based thinking.

in her article Titus 2 Women-Living Reverently.

As we have done the work of child-rearing, we have learned many many things. These life-lessons can be invaluable to the young mother at the end of her rope. You, yes you may be the one who can teach her that a closed mouth and a calm but strong demeanor can often stop the tantrum of a 2 year old. Would it be so bad to hug up your wailing child, speak soothingly to her and show her that no matter the problem, you are there for her. Once calmness has been regained is the time to resolve the issue, if that is time-out, discussing options, or dealing out consequences.

This is alien to our automatic response to mirror the behavior of the child. What is the bank president mirrored that behavior,

or the doctor who just told you you need to cut back on the calories?  I'd think she was crazy, how about you?

For today, try to think of a young woman who is overwhelmed or who you think might be overwhelmed. Again, pick up your phone and call her. Tell her you just wanted to check on her, see how her day is going and how her family is. By offering your friendship in this way, you start the conversation leading to reverence.

Tell her that her children are sweet and you know she loves them. Remind her of the special memories of these days that she will treasure in her heart later, draw from those memories that you treasure in your heart. The sweet smell of an infant's cap of curls, the excitement of a youngster's first bike ride, or the pride that swelled her heart and brought tears to her eyes when that sweet girl graduated from Kindergarten.

Before you hang up, let her know that you are praying for her. Set a time to meet her for coffee or accompany her to the park with her littles. Help her keep an eye on them and just have an adult conversation. Sometimes that's all she needs.

Younger women, what are you to do? Are you frazzled, feeling lost, swimming in the sea of having a family to take care of, a job, running all over the city for soccer, dance, and yoga? Need an adult conversation? What to do?

Ever think about striking up a conversation with that older lady at church, sitting alone in the pew? 

Say hello, compliment her, ask her to join you for a visit to the park. Who couldn't use a bit of extra help and some adult conversation. Older women whose children are grown are sometimes feeling empty and lonely. They, too, crave companionship. 

Invite her to have coffee or a milkshake. Invite her to yoga or walking. Share with her your frustrations and triumphs with your children and husband. Ask her how she might have handled the situation. Sometimes her insight will be like a lightning strike(forget the light bulb, this is way beyond that!) Pray for her,let her know that you value her insights and friendship.

Oh, and pick up that phone and call or text your husband just to say "I love you" again today! He may not mention it, but he loves it when you do it! I promise.

Prayer thoughts: Pray for reverence, pray for the young mothers at your church and workplace, pray for the older women in your church or workplace, Pray for their children, young and old and continue to pray for your husband.

More soon about Titus!