Becoming Titus 2: What Does It Mean To Be Reverent?

Over at Extravagant Grace, eLisa has started a series Becoming Titus 2 in 2010.  Today the discussion centers around "What Does It Mean To Be Reverent?"  The Scripture the Titus 2 woman is based on is a familiar one:

"the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,  to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."

Today our focus verse is Titus 2:3  Here are a few translations of the verse:

Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, (NASB)

Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God (NLT)

In the same way, teach older women to be holy in their behavior (New Century Version)

Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness.  (The Message)

A definition is : Reverent - feeling, exhibiting, or characterized by reverence; deeply respectful:

Before we were married and I was dating my to be husband, I had a best friend that I was very close to.  We did everything together, stayed at each other's home each weekend, shopped, ate and enjoyed each other's company. We tended to be on the silly side and often brought out laughter and fun in each other. We found humor in any situation, to the point of silliness, by laughing with and at others. Many times in public places we would be overcome with "the giggle's".  We enjoyed life and loved to laugh and act silly.

When it became apparent that my to be husband and I were getting closer and falling in love, I sensed that he would like me to act more mature. His personality carried more of a serious and mature manner.   A choice had to be made, keep on livng a life of fun and sillieness, or gain a more reverent attitude.  I chose him (of course) and that serious manner that was such a part of him, matured him into a man of leadership, integrity, widsom and made him into a wonderful husband and father. Each day I respect him more and more and realize that a silly, immature woman would truly bring him shame. 

As Christian women, we represent the Lord God, Most High.  He is to be revered as the Holy One.  As our actions show respect and love for Him, there are certain ways to act and certain ways we should not act. 

Acts of reverence include guarding our tongues and actions and being models of goodness.  Gossiping, slander, negative or putting down of others ultimatley reflects unfavorably on us and on Him.  We don't need to even mention drunkeness!  Talking unfavorably about our husband, reflects bad on him, but also us.  A wise wife does him good - all the days of his life.  

Acting reverently may include self control and maturity, but does not need to make us into stoic old women!  By clothing ourselves with the virtues of compassion, kindess, love, thankfulness and joy, we represent the Lord honorably and set an example for women younger than us.  Smiles, a kind word or touch, a positive response and a thankful attitude can be attractive traits that draw others to our Source.  There is peace and joy in following the direction of the Lord.  Being reverent begins with an ackowledgement of His holiness and our desire to live a life to please Him.