Women of Class: A Titus 2 Woman

Our society has made a significant push to attempt to elevate women, however, the process in which it has done so has been without class. The plan appears to be to make women equal with men and capable of everything they do, while tearing down men in the process. We are told to be strong, courageous, bold and assertive (not bad things I might add), but somehow these characteristics are no longer okay for men to share.
As women, we are currently being told we can do anything we want. But if our choice is to be a Christian woman who loves our husband and our family then somehow we are being held back. If we prefer femininity, gentleness, and class over sexual and provocative attitudes, we are not taking a stand.

How did this get so skewed?

We are in desperate need of reminding women why God created us in the manner He did. To remember the importance of our role. Not as less than or better than, but equal beings with a separate purpose. We are men’s counterpart and helper.

I think we need to realign and stand firm in how God desires women to be. So that we then can teach younger women and our daughters how to be women of God with class.

Titus 2:3-5 (NIV):

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 urge 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.

Let’s break it down by verse.

Titus 2:3 – 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.

The definition of reverent is to show deep and solemn respect. To go further, the definition of respect is to admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements. This is not only an act of obedience to God but also viewed as a privilege to carry out the role that God has designed for us.

Titus 2:4 – Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children…

Then, meaning, the older women need to fulfill the items in verse three first, before they can help the younger women. We can’t teach others how to live if we ourselves are doing the very things we tell them not to do, or don’t actually believe is important to do.

Urge means to try earnestly or persistently to persuade, recommend, and/or encourage (someone) to do something. This is not a passive action! How do you think about your husband and children? Is there resentment and bitterness in your heart towards them? Do you ever fantasize about what you would be able to do/achieve if you were single?

These are areas you need to pray over and repent of. We cannot have love and hate in our heart at the same time. And yes, resentment and bitterness is a form of hate.

Titus 2:5 – …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.

Self-control is the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires or the expression of them in one’s behavior, especially in difficult situations.

Pure is not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material; free of contamination; wholesome and untainted by immorality, especially that of a sexual nature. So we are not to be driven by our emotions and desires but rather remain rooted in godly principles and sound logic.

…to be busy at home

Don’t read more into this statement than it says. It does not say women have to stay at home. It says be busy at home. I work full-time outside of the home. But that doesn’t give me the right to do nothing once I return.

…be kind

Kind is having or showing a friendly, generous, and considerate nature. I’m actually saddened that I felt it necessary to add this definition. But kindness is not being taught or encouraged with the level of importance as it should be. Instead we are seeing women fight and push their way in life.

…and to be subject to their husbands

The use of the word “subject” does not mean less than. Other translations use the word obedient and submissive. I know it can cause many women to cringe to think of being under a man’s authority, especially in our society of encouraging independent women.

But let’s remember that the marriage relationship is supposed to emulate our relationship with Jesus. He loves and cares for us and wants what is best for us. We then, in turn, must trust Him, be in his authority and want to abide. This is supposed to be true in relation to our husbands as well.

…that no one will malign the word of God

NKJV says – that the word of God may not be blasphemed.

NASB says – so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

NLT says – Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

As Christian women, we are representatives of God. What we do and how we live our lives should be honoring to God and encouraging others to seek Him as well. That is our first and foremost role! We are to check our behaviors and ask if how we are presenting ourselves is glorifying to God. Don’t let the world confuse or malign this truth!