Another Biblical Role Model: The Titus 2 Woman

Titus was a young pastor who had traveled and ministered with Paul, and had been left in Crete to continue Paul's ministry.  In chapter 2 of Paul's short epistle to Titus, Paul gives instructions for various groups of people, teaching on how to live as God's people, and why we are to live that way.  These instructions still apply today, and the young woman described in Titus 2:4-5 is one I desire to emulate.  Here is the passage:

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God... 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.  (Titus 2:3-5, 11-14).

First Paul gives the instructions, to several groups including older and younger women.  Then he says why and how we can live godly lives.  The grace of God teaches us to refuse to give in to ungodliness and worldly passions: selfishness and greed and lust.  Instead, the grace of God helps us "live self-controlled, upright and godly lives."  We don't have to do it on our own!  The task of being a loving wife (and mother, someday), a productive homemaker, and being self-controlled, pure, and kind in every aspect of my life is rather daunting. That's a lot for one girl to do!

But the wonderful thing is that we don't have to do it alone.  By his grace God gives us the strength, desire and will to live a life that pleases him.  This we do "while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness."  This next phrase is my favorite part.  God sent Jesus, who gave up himself in order to purify us for himself, to make us his very own.  We don't have to purify ourselves from sin or do anything to become God's children.  Jesus did it ALL in his death on the cross and his resurrection from the tomb!

As a result of what Jesus did for us, our response is to be "eager to do what is good."  We can do no less in response to God's amazing grace, but we are only able to do what is good by his grace.  Not only does God teach us how to live lives that our pleasing to him, but he makes it possible for us to do it.

As I strive to become a godly, loving wife, I know that I'm not alone.  God, who loves me and gave himself up for me, is making it possible for me to live a life that glorifies and honors him.