that the word of God not be blasphemed
We tend to remember best the things we know apply to us.
Recently two friends read the same document regarding health insurance policy changes. One remembered the portions addressing the extended ages of adult dependents as her children are in college; the other, a young mother, had her attention focused on the portion regarding electing PCPs for pediatric care.
Bible passages directly addressing women rightly stand out. Recently while studying the book of Titus along with a group of others at church, a specific phrase in chapter 2, caught my attention. It's highlighted below:
3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. (Titus 2, NKJV)
Blasphemed. Even the word itself leaves a foul flavor on my lips. It's one of those words thick with connotative repulsiveness: I've only ever heard it spat out like mashed up green bean baby food. I wasn't sure how much I was reading in vs. the word's actual denotative meaning.
Merriam-Webster to the rescue. (I love free online dictionaries!) BLASPHEMY:
1 a : the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God
1 b : the act of claiming the attributes of deity
2: irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable
Multiple translations of the Bible assist in giving us a round understanding of words as well, showcasing synonyms as each translator determines to use the word most likely to give the full gamet of meaning from the original language to the modern language.
So here, in this passage specifically addressing women, we are given a charge to live in such a way that God's Word not be maligned, insulted, reviled, dishonored, shamed in any way.
The way I live my life should, instead, magnify the Word of God and the God of the Word. The way I live as a believing woman should exalt, speak highly of, commend and leave others in awe of the Word. It should draw to seek out the meaning of the Word, to desire to know God.
Titus 2 directly affects my day-to-day decision making: what I spend my time doing, how I speak, how I spend time with my own children, how I dress and carry myself, how much I work outside the home, how I keep my home, how I show love to and respond to my husband.
May we each live as women devoted to God's way, that the word of God not be blasphemed.
How has Titus 2:3-5 influenced your life decisions? Post your comments below.
Read here how one expectant mom's life is impacting those observing and treating her in her battle with cancer.
Recently two friends read the same document regarding health insurance policy changes. One remembered the portions addressing the extended ages of adult dependents as her children are in college; the other, a young mother, had her attention focused on the portion regarding electing PCPs for pediatric care.
Bible passages directly addressing women rightly stand out. Recently while studying the book of Titus along with a group of others at church, a specific phrase in chapter 2, caught my attention. It's highlighted below:
3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. (Titus 2, NKJV)
Blasphemed. Even the word itself leaves a foul flavor on my lips. It's one of those words thick with connotative repulsiveness: I've only ever heard it spat out like mashed up green bean baby food. I wasn't sure how much I was reading in vs. the word's actual denotative meaning.
Merriam-Webster to the rescue. (I love free online dictionaries!) BLASPHEMY:
1 a : the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God
1 b : the act of claiming the attributes of deity
2: irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable
Multiple translations of the Bible assist in giving us a round understanding of words as well, showcasing synonyms as each translator determines to use the word most likely to give the full gamet of meaning from the original language to the modern language.
So here, in this passage specifically addressing women, we are given a charge to live in such a way that God's Word not be maligned, insulted, reviled, dishonored, shamed in any way.
The way I live my life should, instead, magnify the Word of God and the God of the Word. The way I live as a believing woman should exalt, speak highly of, commend and leave others in awe of the Word. It should draw to seek out the meaning of the Word, to desire to know God.
Titus 2 directly affects my day-to-day decision making: what I spend my time doing, how I speak, how I spend time with my own children, how I dress and carry myself, how much I work outside the home, how I keep my home, how I show love to and respond to my husband.
May we each live as women devoted to God's way, that the word of God not be blasphemed.
How has Titus 2:3-5 influenced your life decisions? Post your comments below.
Read here how one expectant mom's life is impacting those observing and treating her in her battle with cancer.
