God Uses Many Instruments

 

I cannot remember any of my personal interactions with either of my grandmothers that each did not seek to use for good—my good. Each in her own unique way sought to influence me to do right and to live my life for someone else’s benefit. Dad’s mom was quiet and offered her advice for consideration: “Think about this.” On the other hand, my mother’s mother was friendly but didactic, and she offered her wisdom in a positive “I want you to do this” manner. Each of my grandmothers provided an example of stability and strength in the face of difficulty that only children of God possess. I learned at an early age, then, that “God is a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Dad’s mother lost her oldest son during World War II. She took her loss with great difficulty, but she learned over the years to place her grief before the Savior. She sought to share her modest means with others by way of her table, which always had room for just one more. She had a meek and quiet spirit which, along with her hospitality, taught me the virtues of “holding my tongue” instead of impetuously disagreeing with whatever suited my argumentative mode. She sought to show me personal consistency. She gave me genuine affection.

My other grandmother was extremely practical, organized, and she rarely rested. She was a fountain of activity, pulling me along with her. I can’t prepare green beans without remembering her advice:
“Choose carefully, be sure the beans are crisp enough to snap, do not use too much water or the vitamin content will be lost,” etc. (Oh, they were 19 cents a pound back then. The price of green beans was an important discussion topic for the women in our family.) The advice was to look carefully at the ways of my household (Proverbs 31:27). Grandma taught me to be attentive to the details of my family’s spiritual and physical needs, to monitor my attitude continually, and to try to see the best in someone. She always explained that God had his hand in every situation.

Paul teaches us the nature and value of relationships between the members of different generations in Titus. Every one of Paul’s injunctions speaks of the carryover which we must make among the realms of the spiritual, the intellectual, and the practical. Right doctrine will influence the manner of life of a believer. Right living will solidify spiritual understanding and spiritual empathy for others. All that we learn will we reveal in our lifestyle. A goal in our relationships is to allow us to help and to encourage each other to live in a Christlike manner. I needed the influence of each of my grandmothers.

“But speak thou the things which become (are suitable to and reflect) sound doctrine.” This imperative specifically addresses the need for older men to be sober (vigilant), grave (honest, worthy of respect), and temperate (discreet) in their living. An individual’s attitude of mind is to be one that leads to prudence and self-control in life. These attributes are the opposite of frivolity and carelessness. Noah’s walk of obedience was hindered by careless, unheeded actions in his later years. Thus, the word temperate implies a discretion that is protective to the believer. It is important, therefore, that a seriousness of purpose be found as an identifying mark in each believer’s life. Our lives provide a spiritual benefit for others: saved or unsaved, older or younger. 

Paul’s instructions to Titus continue to state that soundness, wholesomeness, or rightness should characterize our being. Each believer is to have knowledge based on the principles of the Word found in the higher spiritual virtues of faith, love, and patience. Our practical Christianity is based on Jesus Christ, our foundation.

Women are to possess these virtues also. Paul speaks about our deportment reflecting the holiness of our living. We are not to be slanderers, gossips, or false accusers. We are to be temperate and teachers of good things. Paul places an emphasis on the teaching ministry older women were to exhibit as a natural outgrowth of the relationship built in their lives with younger women. In our day, extended ministries such as MomCo, mom’s prayer groups, Sunday school, or Awana provide important opportunities to move between generations sharing Christ’s love.

It is important for younger women and older women to mingle together as they all seek to move forward for the Lord. The context of Paul’s admonitions to Titus is the home. Somehow, we wonder why it might be necessary to learn the need to love one’s husband or children or in-laws or other family members. However, learning consistency in putting the needs and concerns of your family first is “caught” by seeing the example of respected women of God.

History shows us that believing women in the first century spent time together, worked alongside one another, and encouraged others in their walks of faith. It is not a small wonder, then, that Eunice and Lois are complimented for their Godly influence on Timothy.

A woman’s character and its resulting fruit, then, is openly displayed and shared with those younger women with whom she spends time. As a young mom, I was so grateful for the advice the nursery workers gave me when I needed help with my babies. As I learned to lean on several Godly women, I learned more about having right spiritual outlooks for my living because an atmosphere of love and trust had been developed across the generations of women in our church.

As believing women, we are to be like our Savior. We are to be influences one to another “for righteousness’ sake.” We are to be encouragers. A softly spoken word, a gentle admonition, a steady helping hand, and a heart of love can be among the gifts we present to one another in the Savior’s name.

 

--Janet Hicks