So currently the youth group is split up between girls and guys for a 10 week study. The guys are discussing guy things... I imagine... and the girls are discussing girl things- for sure!
A couple of weeks this passage was mentioned:
Titus 2
"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you."
While I have heard this passage so many times, it has been replaying in my mind all week. I continue to dwell on the section that says:
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled."
Thinking through what this really means... what does this look like for me? I love the investment I'm making in the youth ladies-- they are so good for my heart and I often times feel like I'm truly getting the better end of the deal.
I often wonder if I'm being as proactive as I should about the other side of the coin... So -- I'm being the 'older women' to some... but am I being intentional about who the 'older women' to me are? I mean-- I have to bring Launch into the picture here. I am blessed beyond words by this community, and by Kandy -- she has such a beautiful heart and I have learned so much from being in community with her and watching her deal with life. The ladies at Launch are all very unique... no one has the exact same taste in clothes, or music, or hobbies... but that is exactly what I love about it. Wow... so much to say about Launch... and I'm going to save it for another post.
Kind of random today... but thats what I've got for ya. #sorrynotsorry
What does this look like for you?
Wow I love these verses. I think my struggle is the opposite, I need to do more with the younger women. Hubby and I are actively looking for a church (we moved to a new city in June) and we're down to two so hopefully we'll have a church home to become involved in very soon. I'm going to keep this verse close to heart once that time arises. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI know how tough searching for a good church home can be-- I remember having to do that when I moved to college. I hope you all land somewhere soon and feel a peace about your decision!
DeleteI will encourage you to get involved - no questions asked! It is easy to over analyze your time or how much time you'll have to give to serving... but if you have a heart for it-- the time thing isn't an issue. It is so rewarding too... so I'm excited to hear as you begin to develop relationships with younger girls in the church you land at! :)
Ah Raylene, keeping it real again arent' you?! Don't apologize! Thankfully, I have always had my mom at my Titus 2 mentor...and there have been others along the way in the churches where we've been members. However, this is an area that we ALL need to be begging God to show us how to be used for HIS purposes in the lives of others in our churches AND be willing to seek out and be transparent enough to allow others the speak into our own lives to encourage our walk 'to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.' Not only by practice, but also by being able to speak to real practical ways this looks like THAT line up with what Scripture teaches! Please keep keeping it real!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so sweet that your mom was that older lady in your life-- I love that! My parents have truly influenced me and my growth as a Christian- no denying that :)
DeleteYou're exactly right though... we do all need to seek the Lord in where to serve and be used for His glory. Love this... thanks lady- you're always so encouraging. Love it so. much.!
LOVE this post. So very true... Both for the older ladies and younger ones too. Thank you for openly sharing your heart!
ReplyDelete