Many years ago, I had an idea for a women’s ministry based on the New Testament book of “Titus”. My premise was and still is this: A woman of faith can be all she wants to be in her life, her career, and her faith. There are seasons in our lives when certain jobs, activities, serving opportunities, love and family are in season and out of season.
As a woman of faith, a women’s small group leader, a coach, a mentor, a businesswoman, a wife, sister, daughter, mother, and Grammy; all of these titles require me to be a woman of integrity, stamina and wise. All of these titles are not accomplished at the same time, nor is the wisdom and knowledge of who I am in each role known at the time they occurred in my life. This reality is an important distinction in the life of a woman of faith.
The New Testament book of Titus was written by the apostle Paul to the church at young church being set up by a young pastor named Titus, in Crete. In this letter to Titus, Paul lays out the biblical instruction for leadership for men, women, young men, young women, older men and older women. In the second chapter Paul lays out exactly the qualities of a sound church. These are as relevant today as they were then.
You see “SIN” in all is varied forms has never changed. It may be disguised differently but it is still sin. I suggest you open your personal Bible and read this very short book of Titus and write down what the qualities are for both men leaders and women leaders. Do not be put off by the requirements. If you are; then you are tainted by the culture you live in today and have strayed from the Biblical foundation Paul spoke about in his letter to the young church in Crete.
What do we know about this young pastor “Titus”? We know he was what we call today; “teachable”. He was meek and willing to learn under his elder Paul. Titus followed Paul on many of his journeys around Asia Minor, observing, listening, and learning how to lead others from Paul’s example. Titus was a natural organizer and could spot good leaders much as his mentor Paul did. Paul placed Titus is a very hard place, where he could solve problems and establish order and develop those who showed leadership potential.
What does all this have to do with being a Titus Rose? Good question! The same qualities and skills that Paul saw in Titus are transferable and are inside of each of you. What women must do is get their priorities in order and develop those skills in order to rise above the noise of our current culture and do the jobs most important in eternity.
Here is a list you might consider:
- Know and Accept the Truth
- See the Big Picture
- Handle only One Thing At A Time
- Never give up on a major goal
- Do not be triggered by words, events, or circumstances
- Develop a method to solve problems
- Surround yourself with like minded women who know how to solve problems
- Pray without ceasing all day long
- Praise God
- Be Thankful for God’s outpouring of Blessing and Favor upon you and your family
- Read God’s word daily
- Maintain your “Vertical Relationship”
- Develop your personal character and solid foundation values
Sound impossible, no these are not. If you ask yourself this question as you read each one, your awareness and eyes will become open.
“What am I currently doing with this statement?”
If your answer doesn’t readily come to mind, then you do not have what you need to develop this. How do I develop these attributes?
- In your personal life become blameless, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not violent, be sober-minded, holy, and self-controlled. “Yes, for sure! Remember I said I didn’t learn or become all these things in one season? A woman must develop these things through minute-by-unite living.”
- In your family life be the wife of one husband, upholding him and not talking badly about him behind his back, and be faithful; bringing up your children in the Biblical framework taught in the Bible.
- In your social life, be hospital to all, no not be accused of gossip, deceit, underhandedness, or given to much alcohol.
- Your financials reveal what you value most, be a good steward of what God gives you. Everything belongs to Him. Do not be greedy to acquire things or money. Your treasure is in Heaven.
- In your professional life, to not be accused of greed, deceit, underhandedness, backstabbing, gossip, lying, dishonesty, do not contradict to bring about conflict, but be a professional who is forthright, lover of what is good and honest, holding fast to your beliefs and God’s word.
This all boils down into a process from which we can all learn from and adopt in our own lives. As women we are given the high honor to “shepherd” those in our family, by equipping them for life, while developing their character and love of God. Christ never told us being a Christ follower would be easy, in fact he said just the opposite in; Matthew 5:10 -“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
John 15:18 – “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first“
Second Timothy 3:12 says, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Luke 9: 23-25 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”
If you would like to speak with me, I am here and I would love to listen to you. Send me an email at: janice@janicebastanicoaching.com and let’s set up a time to talk. I send you off with my very best wishes for a productive month here in November 2021.
