Titus, Were You Talking To Me?
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,” Titus 2:3
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The word older at first glance may make you ask (if you are either digits or decades over thirty): was he talking to me? Most women I know don’t want to be associated with any form of the word older (unless perhaps it’s in reference to a sibling.) Until just a few months ago, my thoughts were the same. Now, however, that my second of two daughters just graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in one hand and an accepted job offer in the other, my perspective has changed.
An older woman isn’t about age – – it’s about the marks of achievement. Spending decades raising children (whether they be your own, nieces, nephews or neighbors), investing in marriage, building a successful career, dealing with illness, leading ministries, overcoming divorce, being active in community organizations and every other activity or life circumstance in which women find themselves, is extremely tough work.
Those who decide to persevere in their calling as a follower of Christ, wife, mother, worker, and more, earn the most valuable credentials in the world. They are blessed by having pressed forward through trials, tribulations and temptations, with: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There are no greater rewards than those which are bestowed by The Holy Spirit Himself.
Titus reminds “older” women, of the critical importance of displaying a graceful, godly character by being reverent, avoiding gossip and keeping the need for wine at bay. Older women are those in the middle (between the young and the aged) who have developed spiritual maturity and have the time (since children are adults or there are none in the home) and energy to teach what they have learned as good.
Does that describe you? If so, then yes, Titus is talking to you. You, older woman, have been selected for a most high calling.