Searching for Titus 2-Part I

***Originally published in 2017***

What should we look for when seeking the advice of a Titus 2 woman?

Thankfully, God spelled it out for us. He's good like that!!

Titus 2: 3-5 (NASB): Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored."

We'll take a look at the first six qualities this week.

Older women are to be:

• reverent in their behavior-these women are not loud and obnoxious. They are not silly and immature. They are respectful of other people. They conduct themselves in a manner that is pleasing to God. Now, this is not to say that they are always serious or solemn. They do not have to be so serious that they look like they have eaten a bag of lemons. I do believe God has given us joy and a sense of humor. The Titus 2 woman's heart is seeking after God, and she behaves in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

• not malicious gossips-these women do not use their words to slander others. Malicious gossip is spreading information about the private lives of others simply for the sake of being "in the know." It's the, "Did you hear about So-and-So?" conversations whispered in hallways. This is a serious issue, and one I believe we have all been guilty of at one time or another. But, ladies, let's be mindful of our words and how we speak about other people. It's not wrong to share a prayer request or a burden on your heart, but if you are only participating in the conversation to "get the skinny" on the private lives of others, you have stumbled into gossip.

• not enslaved to much wine-these women are not using wine as a method to cope with life. They are not "requiring" a drink to unwind at the end of the day. I really like the NASB version here because it says, "enslaved." These Titus 2 women are not under the influence of: alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping, social media, etc. They are filled with God's Holy Spirit.

• teaching what is good-these women have life experience. They have been through various trials and tribulations and they have gained wisdom. They are then to teach younger generations the good that they have learned from God. Psalm 145:4 (NASB) reads, "One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts." Never sharing what God has taught us would be a huge disservice to the next generation.

• encourage the young women to love their husbands- Maybe a young married woman is having problems in her marriage and she asks the advice of an older married woman. The Titus 2 woman would encourage the younger woman, helping her to work through problems and love the man she married. She will always encourage the reconciliation of husband and wife, and will always be FOR the marriage. She will be a "safe space" for you to seek advice, and she will also challenge you if you need to be challenged. She will seek to turn the heart of the younger woman back towards her husband, rather than driving a wedge between them.

• encourage the young women to love their children-As a mom, you might think this is unnecessary. Of course you love your children! But, what about that one kid who continually does that one thing that just pushes all your buttons? This woman will be someone who can give you Godly advice on raising children. Maybe she can show you a different perspective on the situation. She may, again from experience and wisdom, be able to help you better understand your own child. Having traveled the "motherhood" road before, she can give insight into the things that truly matter at the end of the day.

Many older women who are further along in marriage and raising children are filled with Godly wisdom and can be so helpful to younger women. Look around you and seek an older Titus 2 woman to encourage you in your walk.

Next week, we'll take a look at the last 5 qualities listed for a Titus 2 woman.

***In the comments, what are your thoughts here?

What is holding you back from finding a Titus 2 mentor?

Do you actively seek a woman who will give you Godly advice? Why or why not?***