Instructions from Titus 2, Part 2

In this section of scripture (starting in Titus 2:1), Paul first addresses aged men and aged women, then young women, and young men. We see throughout the Bible that respect is to be given to those who are older.  

For example, in Leviticus 19:32, God told the Israelites, “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.” Job said, “With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.” (Job 12:12)

In our Western culture today, many people don’t think that way anymore. Older people tend to be looked down on as old fashioned and of no value. What could they know anyway? But we need to remember the Biblical teachings and judge things by what God says, not by what the world says.

Unfortunately, a lot of times even Christian people who are older look at themselves in the wrong way. “What could I possibly know that could be of benefit to anyone?” They do not realize the wealth of knowledge they have in their experiences, good and bad. God can use even our bad experiences and decisions to give wisdom to others.

You may be an “older woman” that was saved later in life. You think that God can’t use you because you wasted most of your life and made a lot of wrong choices. Please think about it this way: you have gained great experience on how not to do some things. That knowledge passed to a younger woman could make a great difference in her life and keep her from making wrong choices. You have not outlived your usefulness or value. 

None of us is perfect! We all have made mistakes along the way. Yet God can use us, if we are willing to be used. Every experience you have and every choice you make will help to form you into either a Godly woman or a bitter woman. The choice is yours!

Younger women, you need to remember that spiritual maturity doesn’t just come by accident. You don’t suddenly at age 70 wake up and find yourself to be a Godly woman unless you have cultivated Godly character in your life throughout the years. Determine now to be a “godly older woman” some day. Make good use of the years when you have physical strength and beauty and energy! Look for a mentor, a godly older woman that can help you along the way to make wise choices.

What I am saying is this: there are no shortcuts to acquiring the traits of a godly, older woman. They have to be cultivated over time. They take life and experience. They take failing, confession, and repentance. They take intentionally living a Godly life. They take sacrifice and a lifetime of practice.

We are all aging—whether we are twenty or forty or eighty. The years keep flying by! Whatever age you might be, if you don’t intentionally decide right now to live a Godly life, your life will be over before you know it, and you will be looking back with regret. 

You will never be younger than you are right now! Decide now to strive to be the Godly woman that God wants you to be. Every day of life that God gives you is an opportunity to continue growing in Godly character, whether you are young or older. Make use of whatever days you may have left.