Women Whose Hands are Chains

A woman's heart and handiwork can be agents of bondage and death.  King Solomon understood this:  "And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains" (Eccl. 7:26).  There is a kind of woman who is not just a liability, she's dangerous!

In stark contrast, Titus 2:3-5 describes godly womanhood in terms of strength of character and noble purpose - women whose hands do good.  Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored (Tit 2:3-5 - NASB95).  The older women in this passage are remarkable.  Their handiwork is defined by four distinctive qualities and they have embraced a profound life mission.  The younger women stand out from their peers for the fact that seven facets of their lives converge to make the Word of God look irresistible - other women see what they have and say, "I want to live like that!"

To associate with these women is to behold truth in action, to feel the pulse of pure devotion to God, to hold hands that do good.  In an age where all the attention seems to go to women who run on emotion, whose lives have no bigger purpose than "living for me," whose effectiveness is measured by career, dollars, and possessions, Titus 2 is a breath of fresh air.  Instead of the toxicity of womanhood as defined by self-actualization and "I want it all," Titus offers a better way - a path to true significance.  It is a path that allows women to partner in a grace community and learn what it means to impart life and health to one another and to future generations.  This Titus path is one of LIFE and LEGACY.

For the woman who wants to replace hands that are chains with a heart that imparts life, see the study notes.  You can download the first set on "reverent behavior" by clicking here.  Over the next year, I will attach a new article describing a Titus 2 quality or insight each month.  You can access all of the Titus 2 materials (as they become available) by clicking on "Pretty Good Downloads" under "resources" (in the far right column).

Guest post by Rochelle Fleming - click on "Light-Work Partners" under "resources" (far right) for bio.

Comments

[mjc]

"Truth in action" "The pulse of pure devotion to God" "A path to true significance" WOW! What a beautiful description of a life that is attainable only by devotion to what matters to God above all else. By complete reliance on His strength and guidance alone in the process. What a privilege to be able to impart life and leave a legacy, that is priceless both to the "Titus 2 woman" and to those whom she invests time.

The challenge lies not in doing, but in being willing to sacrifice, to be teachable, to dig in and find the truth. But most importantly to APPLY it and LIVE IT OUT! But, I say, "What a small sacrifice for such an immeasurable gift! A significance that is unshakable and life that is without a doubt worth devoting myself to. A life that honors and glorifies God, a small token of my love to Him for a debt I will never repay. Thank you Lord, what an amazing God You are!"