“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works:
in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Sound speech, that cannot be condemned…”
Titus 2:7-8a
The most hospitable thing we can do for younger women is to live as a pattern of good works before them as God has requested us to do. We can teach them how to cook, clean, decorate, dress, budget, shop, host, date, start careers, and do crafts, etc. However, if we don’t show them the spiritual life patterns that God wants us to exhibit, we fail them in many ways. The next generation needs a Godly foundation to stand on to ground and settle them by giving them strong faith, sincere relationships, and sound homes. God did not intend for us to walk our paths alone, overwhelmed, confused, or insecure nor does he want us to design our own patterns for life. He gave us a blueprint in His Word to follow, and asked us to live out that “pattern of good works” before others.
When we learn God’s ways and live holy lives, we become pleasing patterns that God can use to teach younger women how to live. The reason living God’s way before others is so important is so that we are not a hindrance to bringing others to Christ and spiritual maturity. Our attitudes, affections, and actions should show who God is and how He loved the world. It’s hard to lead people to Christ while our lives are patterns that display ungodly images contrary to who we are meant to be.
I have always marveled at how many people dislike following patterns. I guess it’s our natural instinct to either rebel against rules or to express our own creativity. Maybe it’s both. I’m normally a rule follower, but there have been times when I’ve ventured out of the box and attempted to outsmart, or alter, a pattern and color outside the lines. Usually, I fail and give up, or have to start again. My inexperienced way doesn’t work better than an experienced master’s tried and true example. To do anything the right way we have to follow basic guidelines and instructions.
God doesn’t make us live a guessing game. He gave us His Son and Holy Word as a pattern of how we are to live. The Bible is full of details for living the abundant life He desires for us. That is another good reason to read and study the Scripture on a regular basis. (Psalm 119:11, II Timothy 2:15)
In Titus 2, we see two patterns of good works that we are to exhibit to younger women:
- In Doctrine shewing – uncorruptness, gravity, and sincerity
- Sound Speech – that cannot be condemned
While these two tasks may sound like a tall order, God doesn’t ask us to do the impossible and He never leaves us to figure it out on our own.
Shewing uncorruptness, gravity, and sincerity in our Doctrine and maintaining sound speech that cannot be condemned takes a focused determination and daily dedication.
We may have to ask ourselves, “Do we want to please God or our family, friends, co-workers, church and others? Do we want to fulfill God’s will or fit in with the crowd?” Do we want to fail ourselves and those who come after us?”
Living as a pattern of good works is our choice. That choice will determine how we live next year?
Bring It Home
Has someone been a good pattern before you? Who? How?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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