Becoming Titus 2...with reverence...

I've followed eLisa at Extravagent Grace for a while now. I decided to join her this month. Today's topic in the Becoming Titus 2 series is, "What does is mean to be reverent?"

"Finding out what this means is critical to understanding how we, as Christian women purposed to apply the principles of Scripture, ought to live in such a way that our example and behavior draws others to Christ. When God offers instruction in the Word, it is always meant for our benefit, but also for His Kingdom purposes." ~eLisa

I was really struck by her definition of reverence.
[reverent means] to conduct oneself in a manner appropriate for one who lives in the realm of the divine, walking in the presence of God."

Generally, when I think of reverence, I think mostly about my relationship with my husband and children. I tend to make reverence synonymous with respect...and they are definitely related. However, I've been challenged recently to watch my level of reverence to God within groups of women. Some Biblical principles are hard to apply. Most (I'd hope all) Christian women would say that they fully support the principles found in Matthew 18...and the various Scriptures against Gossip...however, we don't always help our sisters obey these verses. It shows a lack of reverence...because we aren't acting as we would if we were walking in the presence of God.

In my mind there are two reasons that we listen to gossip. One, we want to be "in the know." Knowledge is power...or so we think. My experience shows that you'll find that you are better off NOT knowing things...and addressing sin as sin. The second reason we listen is because we are afraid to point to Christ. We worry about how someone will respond to correction. We worry so much about them...that we forget to conduct ourselves reverently and show them to Christ.

I'm not condoning "mean spirited attacks" here. Speak the truth in love...but SPEAK THE TRUTH!! You don't even have to take the pressure on yourself. Say, "The Bible says...if you are having a problem with someone you should really go and talk to them about it." Please don't think that I'm writing this cuz I've got it down perfectly. I've been painfully corrected in this area lately...and have attempted to start to practice what I preach. Truthfully, it had me really down. I was wanting to control the response of others to being corrected...which isn't my job. I was feeling like Jesus' had better results...but if you think about it...He was crucified.

I often say that I want to "be a woman after God's own heart, " but that means acting in reverence to God even when it's unpopular or painful. I pray for my family each day...and when I pray for my daughter I think of what kind of woman I want her to be...this shapes how I pray for God's working in my own life. I want to be a Godly woman...I am my daughter's Bible study. I think within Titus 2 I cop out and say that because I am a younger woman I don't have to lead in these areas of obedience. That's a lie...I am to OBEY.

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Duet 6: 5-7