by Peni Teel

This article will begin by stating the obvious. So it was that Paul admonished Titus,

"...speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—..."

Looking at Titus 2, how often are we tempted to separate the text into moral duty and optional action? Surely we must be sober, reverent, loving, patient, sound. Just as surely, we must be teachers of good things.

True, there are qualifiers for this directive. God defines the boundaries, scope and even the primary subjects of a women’s teaching (Acts 18:26; Tit. 2:4; I Tim. 2:12; I Pet. 3:1-2). Certainly, we need to be cautious and not extend any effort beyond God-given perimeters; always maintaining a meek and quite spirit before God and man, never usurping authority that is not ours.

These guidelines are clear, but where might exceptions or exemptions be found? It is a straightforward command, isn’t it? Circumstance and ability may dictate where, how or whom we teach, and the proportion of our teaching that is individual or collective. However, the command requires action—the teaching is to be done. If we are older women, we should be faithful teachers.

So, we next ask, what would prevent us? Have we become too encumbered, too short-sighted, too ignorant or even too lazy to teach? Dare we, without basis, with one accord continue to make excuse? Dare we be too busy, too tired, too fearful, too limited, too anything to carry out this instruction?

Forgive me, if these words sound overly stern or negative. My sense of urgency is prompted by concerns that we ("me" included) are not as diligent as we need to be and a perception that the Lord’s work and kingdom may indeed suffer for our lack of dedication (Mat. 6:33).

More and more, I see women—good women—who are looking elsewhere for ways to spend their time and energy. Grandmothers and widows take on secular employment, or log full-time hours in community / volunteer services in order to fill lives, calm nerves, and relieve boredom or ease adjustments to aging. Indeed, such choices seem so common as to constitute a trend. If so, it is an alarming trend.

Such pursuit may be a by-product of our fast-paced, career-ridden society. Or, it may be there has been some general default in emphasizing the text of Titus 2, as well as in providing younger women with "living letters" of the law (vs. 4-5) by this or previous generations. But it seems to me some fault also should be charged to misapplied emphasis rather than negligence. We may discourage compliance by making the task of teaching overwhelming or unduly complicated. God’s direction for us is ever simple and practical. The passage compels us to be "teachers of good things"; it does not demand that we teach only within an organized structure or before a class of 10 to 100 women.

There are as many ways to teach as there are to get up in the morning. We can create a learning station in and around countless everyday patterns. To name just a few:

• take a younger woman with you to visit the sick or shut-in.

• help a class teacher prepare bulletin boards / activities.

• write encouraging notes to other members, especially elders, preachers and new converts.

• keep a young mother’s babies so she can grocery shop or have an evening alone with her husband.

• fold / address bulletins.

• invite your neighbors in to study around your kitchen table.

• take time to caress a toddler; chat with an 8-year old.

• plan home-studies for teenage girls (use extra time to teach them how to make unleavened bread or iron a shirt).

• pray for others, by name, and tell them you have.

• make a quick "pick-you-up" phone call.

• invite new brides to tea and show them how to make scones.

• prepare well for Bible studies and attend faithfully.

• purchase and give good books / periodicals as gifts.

• teach a granddaughter and her friends how to make a pie.

• get caught singing.

• offer to "accompany" younger drivers to nearby gospel meetings.

• be cheerful and careful for others, even when you hurt.

• ask a young person to help you assist those in need.

• develop a reputation for kindness; avoid and reprove gossip.

• share your life—skills—with anyone who may benefit.

• put "inspired words" on your answering machine.

• be an impeccable example of holy service.

• remember, in all things, to give thanks and glory to God.

As you might imagine, the list goes on and on. Good thing are easily taught in daily measure.