Last time we began considering what a Godly woman looks like, and we concluded that the first step in becoming a Godly woman is to have the glory of God as our highest aim. I'd like to continue by searching the Scripture to see how we as women can fulfill this glorious purpose for which we were created.  We can only bring God glory when we are living according to His Word - when we are functioning in the role He has designed for us as women.  I believe many women are floundering because they don't know what their purpose in life is, or exactly what their role should be.  All around us are women who can't find security or significance in a career, a relationship, fashion, marriage, children,  or anywhere else they look for it.  The reason for this is because security and/or significance can only be found in the Lord Jesus.  Multitudes of women, even Christian women, have been influenced by unrealistic images of womanhood as portrayed by the media.  So many have their purpose in life shaped by their desire for happiness, which they have been told repeatedly that they deserve.  But our purpose here on earth is not necessarily to be happy, but to bring glory to the One Who created us!  And of course there is only one way to know how to do that, and that is through His Word.  We are so incredibly blessed that He would give us His Word to instruct us in His ways!

The very first passage of Scripture I want us to look at is the most important New Testament text on the role of women. The passage I am referring to is Titus 2:1-5, But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:  that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be blasphemed.

While my husband and I were speaking in a marriage and family conference in Florida last month, a young woman approached me after the last of three sessions that I taught on these verses. She was a new Christian, like a baby bird with its mouth wide open, and such a delight to teach.  She said to me, " I am absolutely amazed at how much instruction is packed into those three little verses" (Titus 2:3-5).  And you know, she's right; we could spend a long time just studying these few verses.  We will actually begin exploring this text next time.  But between now and then, let me challenge you to meditate on this wonderful passage of Scripture.  Let the Lord begin to show you what a woman who pleases Him looks like.  Some of you may be surprised at how different she looks from the "successful" woman according to Hollywood, Cosmopolitan magazine, or the women's rights movement.  On the other hand, for many of you it will just be a reminder of things you already knew.  For all of you who decide to stay with me, I hope you'll be challenged to be a woman who brings much glory to God, and encouraged that as that becomes your highest goal, you'll find more joy than ever before.

- Cindy