Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure. (Titus 2:4–5)
Some cultures treasure tradition, and the best way to keep their traditions alive is by having the older people in the community share them with the younger members. This practice is a very common in the Jewish culture. Through storytelling, much information is passed down from generation to generation.
It makes perfect sense then that the apostle Paul would instruct Titus to teach the older women to be reverent, to do what is right, and to practice what is good. He knew that, in turn, the older women would train the younger women in what they knew. As leaders over the younger women, the older women would share their wisdom with them, which would turn into a practice that would perpetuate itself.
Seasoned musicians train their young pupils to practice their instruments regularly, because by practicing what they learn, those young students will achieve their goal of good musicianship. One cannot sit in an orchestra pit before learning the key concepts of music.
Commitment to training young minds is important in order to pass on sound teaching that will endure. The value Paul placed on the teachings of older believers over their younger counterparts puts emphasis on the importance of fruit-bearing by anyone who is given the responsibility to reach others for the Lord—regardless of age.
Be passionate about training others to do what is good.
Luska Natali is a native of Brazil who is passionate about God, her family, learning new languages (she fluently speaks three), and meeting people.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
