“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.” (Titus 2:3–5)

Commissioned by God to preach His Word, Titus faced a huge responsibility as the overseer of all of the churches on the Island of Crete. This young pastor still had a lot to learn, so God had Paul write a letter to Titus to instruct him how to handle the various issues and problems that would arise in the churches. In chapter two, Paul exhorts Titus to “speak the things which become [are appropriate for, or give evidence of] sound doctrine” and gives him a list of things to teach each age group.

Perhaps one of the most difficult things for a young pastor to do is authoritatively teach those who are older and more mature than he is— after all, what does he know that they don’t? Titus, like all young pastors, had to realize that although he may not have as much life experience as these “senior saints” possess, he had the responsibility and scriptural authority to teach God’s Word to them.

What a beautiful picture of God’s Word in action is presented to us in this passage! These are elderly—or should I say, beautifully mature—women who are known for their godliness and holiness. I like how one Bible teacher put it: “These ladies refuse to be known as gossips and have become faithful, dedicated teachers in everyday life situations. Over a cup of tea they encourage a new generation of girls to love their husbands and their children without expecting anything in return. A day shopping the outlet malls becomes a classroom where advanced lessons in self control, purity, kindness, and servant-hearted home care and unpopular submission are taught. These women love God and His Word so much that they pour their lives into active moms and young brides, encouraging them to live God’s way so that no one can call God’s truth foolish, outdated, or worthless.” (Rand Hummel)

I exhort you to do just that! Be a godly example to the young ladies, new brides, and young mothers in our church. Teach them “to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, obedient to their husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed” (verses 4-5). I often hear our young ladies commenting that they wish the older ladies would spend more time teaching and encouraging them. This is an essential ministry in the local church; this is your calling!

If God has ordained that you be a widow, you have a wonderful responsibility in the church to be a prayer warrior who “…[trusts] in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day” (1 Timothy 5:5).

Grandmothers, we love you and we need you! Please be faithful to your God-given responsibility. You have so much to offer; make your life count for eternity!

~Pastor David