In Titus 2, Paul tells Titus some specific things that he needs to teach Christians pertaining to “sound doctrine” (verse 1). Included in that list is that older women should be told to teach younger women “to love their husbands” and “to love their children” (verse 4). On the surface, it may seem strange to say that women need to be taught to love their husbands and children. However, there is a lot involved in these phrases that needs to be taught.

As with other things that are listed in this chapter, the implication is that Christians are not just to be taught to do these things, but they are to be taught how to do these things. Paul tells Titus in verse 1 to speak things “which become sound doctrine” and the results should be “that the aged men be sober,” and so forth. The good qualities should develop from the things that Titus would teach, so Titus had to be instructing them in a way that would help them learn these traits. Older women, then, can spend time teaching younger women what it truly means to love their husbands and children, and help them learn how to love in a way that is pleasing to God.

Hopefully women in general love their husbands when they marry them. So why exactly must one be taught to love her husband when she already does? The love that is commanded in Titus 2:4 is not the romantic, make your heart flutter kind of love that most young women feel when they fall in love and get married. There is nothing wrong with that kind of love; it is wonderful and important to a relationship. But that romantic love does not carry a marriage.

Loving your husband involves sacrificing for him, serving him, and being fully devoted to him. It means that you put his needs first, and that you lose all signs of selfishness. Loving your husband also means that you love him unconditionally, all the time. When he is angry, you love him. When he is sad, you love him. When he is sick, you love him. And when he makes mistakes, you still love him. You make your share of mistakes, too, right? You show that love to him by doing what you can to help him in every situation. There are a lot of good times throughout a marriage during which it is easy to love your husband. A godly woman cherishes and enjoys those good times. The more challenging part is showing that love, and even growing that love, during difficult times. Wives should realize that those difficult times when your husband seems a little less lovable may be the times that he needs you the most.

Older women can help younger women understand that challenges will come in every marriage. They can encourage them during those difficult times, give advice when needed, and study scriptures with them that lay out principles to help solve problems. They can teach the values of selflessness, humility, and service that will help young wives demonstrate the love they feel in their hearts.

Similar ideas are included in loving your children. Some mothers simply do not have the natural affection for their children that they should have (Romans 1:31). However, there is even more than that natural affection involved in truly loving our children. Any experienced mother realizes that many sacrifices are made while raising children. A new mother may feel a deep love for her children, but be a little shocked at the changes that are involved in motherhood. If being a wife has not removed the selfishness from your heart, being a mother should. Mothers miss countless hours of sleep to care for children. They give up privacy, and “me” time is nearly nonexistent. When money is tight, mothers continue to wear the same clothes and shoes so that they can buy new ones when their children need them. They make sure that their children’s needs are met before their own in every situation. They also show love for their children by devoting their time and energy to filling their hearts with God’s word and training them to be obedient. Mothers spend time with their children, discovering their personalities, shaping their minds, and leading them to God. They do not view them as bothersome, burdensome, or inconvenient, but they cherish and enjoy them.

Older women can teach younger women how to take care of children. They can help them to understand the immense sacrifice and selflessness that is involved. They can encourage them during stressful, difficult times. They can give advice about teaching and disciplining children. Older women can be a tremendous help to young mothers as they gain their own experience and confidence in raising and loving their children.

In John 13:34, Jesus said: “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” What was new about the commandment to love one another? It was how they were told to love—as Christ loved us. Jesus loved us enough to sacrifice Himself for us before we even loved Him. He sacrificed while we were sinners. He continues to love us no matter what we do. This is how we should love one another, and this is how women should be taught to love their husbands and children. A complete love that is sacrificial, void of selfishness, and full of service—no matter what.

Thursday was a day marked as the “National Day of Prayer.”

One day? For everyone, regardless of beliefs? Here are a few thoughts on that:

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…” (Luke 18:1)

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)

“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” (Acts 12:5)

“…rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer…” (Romans 12:12)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…” (Philippians 4:6)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.” (James 5:13)

“For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12)

I hope you notice that those are not my thoughts, but God’s.

From Gallup.com, “On Darwin’s Birthday, Only 4 in 10 Believe in Evolution,” by Frank Newport:

On the eve of the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth, a new Gallup Poll shows that only 39% of Americans say they “believe in the theory of evolution,” while a quarter say they do not believe in the theory, and another 36% don’t have an opinion either way. These attitudes are strongly related to education and, to an even greater degree, religiosity.

The general theory of evolution is taught in public schools and universities as if it is undeniably true. Elements of evolution are found in books, television shows, and websites for small children. Many students are ridiculed and even receive poor grades if they try to argue against evolution or express a belief in intelligent design (creation by God). Yet, according to Gallup, only 39% of Americans believe in evolution!

When you see evolution presented as proven fact, you are seeing a dishonest representation. Neither evolution nor creation can be proven scientifically. The key word in this poll is “believe.” Belief is required for accepting either idea. The evidence is the same; the difference is how we interpret that evidence.

The poll looked at two factors in the beliefs of Americans: education level and religion. Here is a summary of the reasons for belief in evolution and for the ability to associate evolution with Darwin:

Naturally, some of this is because of educational differences. Americans who have lower levels of formal education are significantly less likely than others to be able to identity Darwin with his theory, and to have an opinion on it either way. Still, the evidence is clear that even to this day, Americans’ religious beliefs are a significant predictor of their attitudes toward Darwin’s theory. Those who attend church most often are the least likely to believe in evolution, and most likely to say they do not believe in it.

So, many who have gone through higher education’s attempt at indoctrinating us with “facts” about evolution have succumbed and become believers in it. Fortunately, in the case of some, our religious grounding has allowed us to filter through what we have been taught and maintain our belief in creation. I am reminded of what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25:

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ For it is written: “ I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” ²⁰ Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? ²¹ For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. ²² For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greek  foolishness, ²⁴ but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

There are other observations that I could make about this subject and this poll, but here is my main concern. Evolution is typically presented as truth. There are apparently many Americans out there who do not believe that it is truth. Do those of us who do not believe in evolution stand up against it? Do you speak up when someone discusses evolution as if it true? Do we talk to people about God and the Bible’s account of creation? Do we take time to talk to our children about evolution and creation?

We need to be outspoken about this subject. We need to take advantage of opportunities to talk about evolution and creation. If you go to a museum that is based on the assumption that evolution is true, as most do, then you should talk to the people you are with about the problems of evolution. Even if they agree with you, talking about it will reinforce their beliefs, and you never know who will overhear you. If you are student, be bold and speak up in classes where evolution is taught as fact. When a television show mentions that something that lived “10 million years ago,” make sure your kids understand that you do not believe that, and why.

We are so bombarded with evolution and Darwin’s theory that we feel like it is assumed and accepted by everyone. Let’s speak up, stand up, encourage each other as believers, and let everyone know that we do not accept it!

I recently completed a workbook designed for study in ladies’ Bible classes. It is called “Establish Your Hearts,” and is a study of the book of James. It includes 11 lessons with discussion questions and an answer section at the end. I have worked on this material off and on for the past several years, and I have taught it in ladies’ classes. The book is now published and available for purchase at Nanette’s Books and Trims. If you’re looking for a study book for yourself or for a class, I would love for you to consider it!