Teaching what is good is a noble endeavor, however, with so many opinions on what is good, bad, or even evil. It’s worth spending some time together fleshing this one out. The best place to start is with the understanding, that there is such a thing as absolute truth, and the Bible is the only source of it.
I am currently pondering Titus 2: 3-5, what a beautiful verse, just overflowing with hope! Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled (ESV).
The King James goes like this…The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
While researching the meaning of the word good, I was enlightened to find out that it is mostly used to describe food. I have to admit that I like that but it is probably not the correct usage of the word good in the Bible.
Interestingly, the Greek word for good in Titus 2:3 as in teaching what is good (2567) is the single Greek compound word kalodidaskalos derived from kalos which refers to that which is inherently excellent or intrinsically good and which provides special or superior benefit. The second component of kalodidaskalos is didaskalos (from didasko [English = didactic] meaning to teach in such a way to shape the will of the one being taught by the content of what is taught) and refers to an instructor, master, or teacher. This older woman is both by example and instruction to be a teacher of good, beautiful, and beneficial things which was a sorely needed mission then and in our day. (Precept Austin)
Teaching What Is Good
The Bible states in Titus 2:3-5 that these are the good attributes that are to be taught and exhibited by Christian women. I love how God is a God of process. He never expects us to display goodness without being shown and taught. Jesus is full of patience while we learn these things. He is the ultimate definition of good!
Let’s take a look…
You may have noticed that these lovely character qualities don’t come naturally to anyone. If you are blessed to display these traits in your life, please understand they are a gift from God. We not only need godly older women who are reverent in behavior to show us the way. Ultimately we need a saving relationship with the Creator of the universe. We can not achieve anything without Jesus’s help.
May I make a suggestion?
If you long for these qualities to be alive and active in your life, seek out a Titus 2 woman at your church but even more importantly, ask God in prayer to give them to you. You will be amazed at what the Father can accomplish in a willing heart.
Lastly, these beautiful characteristics are worth nothing without love and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We must be careful to understand and know the source of our ability to display these qualities. If we proceed in our own strength, our pursuit leads to drudergy and legalism. When we walk, in the love shown in the gospel and powered by God alone, we are free!
Go Deeper…Spiritual Mothering: The Titus 2 Model for Women Mentoring Women
YOUR TURN…
How do you feel about the book of Titus?
Blessings,
Janelle
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