GROWING IN WISDOM TO IMPART WISDOM

The aged women likewise that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the younger women to be sober (or wise), 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 2:3-5

As we looked at this helpful and instructive passage of Scripture before, we saw that the Apostle Paul instructed Titus that the older women were to be godly examples before the younger women. As these ladies walked in obedience to the guidelines laid out for us in these verses, they were to teach the younger women. What a wonderful privilege! I am so blessed to have been taught truth and seen that truth modeled by some women who have gone before me. And now it's my turn! A pastor friend was asked by his little girl one Saturday evening, "Papa, do you have to preach tomorrow?" He enthusiastically replied, "Honey, I don't HAVE to preach tomorrow; I GET to preach!" That's the way I feel. The responsibility to teach, mentor, and counsel the younger women is not some huge burden that weighs me down. Rather, it is such a joy to have a small part in seeing young women learn to lovingly and joyfully fill the beautiful role the Lord has planned for them.

Well, there are specific things Paul said that we are to teach the younger women. The first thing he said to teach them is to be sober, or wise. This means that we are to help the younger women learn to cultivate good judgment and sensibilities. We are to teach them to be responsible. Young women should be learning to be serious minded and reverent. Now, please don't get me wrong, I'm not against having fun. Anyone who knows me well can assure you of that. My family knows that I'm the first to plan a gathering of friends at our house, and one of my daughter's friends said, "Mrs. Currin looks for any excuse to have a party." No, I'm definitely not against having a good time with friends and family, but there is a time to be serious and reverent. I think girls especially need to be taught this principle. I have two daughters of my own, and I can tell you from experience, you don't have to teach girls to be silly. We were born that way (Proverbs 22:15). So, we have the responsibility to teach them to be sober concerning important matters. We must be teaching them and to use the word of God to guide them in their decision making.

Next time, we'll be looking at the privilege to teach the young women to love their husbands. Until then, let's express our gratitude to our heavenly Father for the wonderful young women He has brought into our lives. May He give us wisdom to help them grow in wisdom all for the glory of His great name!

- Cindy