Are you standing with the Wise or the Foolish?

What does it mean to be modest as we go about our daily lives as Christian ladies? What does God expect of us?

When you consider what a Christian lady looks like what comes to mind? Do you think of the woman who dresses for success, works outside the home full time, leaves her children in daycare, runs by the fast food place to pick up dinner and hates to clean house? Do you think of the commercial slogan, "I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan..." Probably not

Although our culture has gone far from the Truth of what it means to be a lady, that is no excuse for Christians to go away from the Truth. Let our desire be toward the Lord and Godliness. My heart has been burdened for some time about the condition of the Christian woman, especially as it relates to her household. Our homes are falling apart and Christian homes don't look very different than the homes of the world. Christian women are dressing, talking and behaving just like women who do not have Christ. That ought not be so ladies.

Join me as we begin a study of what the Bible has to say about our lives and what it takes to glorify and honor our Lord and Savior. No matter your age or place in this Christian journey...there is something in the Word for all of us.

We find one of the best job descriptions in Titus 2.

2:3 - 5 "The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behavior 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."


These scriptures are outlining what God expects to be passed on from one generation to the next. It is a road map of what He wants us, as ladies, to be and do.

It's very interesting to look at how these verses are laid out. We have four basic instructions:
1.) behavior as becometh holiness,
2.) not false accusers,
3.) not given to much wine and
4.) teachers of good things.

And then we see a description of the "good things" we are to teach: to be sober, to love our husband, to love our children, discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, and obedient to OUR OWN husband.

The verses end by telling us why we should do these things: that the Word of God be NOT blasphemed. Ladies, have you considered that your life may be blaspheming the very Lord you claim to love? The ONE who died for us in order to provide a way of salvation. As we go through these verses in my next few post, I ask that you pray and ask the Lord to open your heart and mind to His will for your life. If something I say hits you hard and steps on your toes, take it to the Lord and ask Him if there is something that needs to be changed. I'll be praying for each of you as you seek after the Lord and that He would refine each of us into His own image so that our testimonies would not blaspheme Him, but rather glorify Him.

This week I’d like to focus on “our part” of the instruction; that of receiving and applying the teaching. Our understanding and application of the teaching we receive will be evident in our character and behavior. How or how soon we apply it will demonstrate our hearts’ desire---if our hearts’ desire is to fully yield to the Spirit of God then the instruction will be well received---even fervently desired.

How well do you receive teaching or instruction? Does your pride come to the surface and make you fight for your rights or your viewpoint?
When we are given instruction, let us take it to the Lord and ask Him to reveal any dross that needs to be removed from our lives.
Obedience always requires us to give up our ways and seek His ways.

When we receive and apply instruction, others are often aware or even affected by changes we make or have made in our lives. Sometimes changes we make may cause a negative reaction in others. They may question our motives, convictions, or changes and may feel inferior or sensitive that their behavior /decisions stand in judgment or condemnation if convictions differ.As we implement the changes God asks of us, let us do so in all modesty and humbleness. Here are some good questions to ask yourself as we continue the study.

1. How do you handle the negative reactions of others to changes/decisions/convictions you make or maintain?
   

2. If you have received criticism (negative) have you remained gracious in your thoughts and speech?
   

3. Do you bring undue criticism upon yourself?
   

4. How do you handle praise for positions you hold?
   

5. Are there changes you perceive the LORD convicting you to make that you are nervous/anxious/fearful to make?
   

6. What does your husband think/say?

Ladies, lets take this week to challenge ourselves in this first area: receiving and applying instruction. That is a difficult thing for us to do as prideful creatures, but the Word tells us that a wise man hears and receives instruction. It is the foolish man who does not heed it. Will you be wise or foolish.

I encourage you to go through these verses and ask the Lord to help you understand the Truths and change the areas that need to be changed. We must surrender this first area before we are ready to learn about Godly behavior.

Have a great weekend ladies.

In Him who cannot fail, Michelle