14 May 2009
Serve the Lord with gladness (Part IV)
Posted by admin1 under: Guides to Christian Living .
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things (Titus 2:3).
The role of women in life, especially in the family is vital. Mothers are primary care-givers and primary teachers in the lives of their own children. This role and journey of motherhood is continual. The duty to instruct, to nurture and to correct never ends.
The changing society and blurred values, have increased the need for special instruction especially to daughters. Young women today, face far many challenges and mixed messages on what is correct and appropriate. It takes special grooming, attention and instruction spiritually and in life skills to raise daughters into respectable, graceful and dignified ladies.
- Mothers should instill confidence in their daughters by paying more attention to their skills, talents and abilities and by praising their achievements. Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates (Proverbs 31:31).
- Encourage independent thinking. Independent children can withstand peer pressure better as they don’t rely on peers or others to validate them (Esther 3:1-5). If daughters are empowered, they will not join wrong company for wrong reasons. Remember the saying: “If you can’t beat them join them?”. Let them know the value of choosing friends who are like-minded, who share the same values, morals and principles for there is a blessing in choosing the right company (Psalms 1:1).
- Modesty and being above reproach in dress and conduct. Even though societal values and morals are ever changeable, but God’s standards remain the same (Hebrews 13:8). Our clothes communicate to others, especially to the opposite gender. Let our communication, even in our apparel, communicate sound doctrine. Wrong attire will attract wrong people, and wrong attention.
- Teach good manners and etiquette. Manners maketh a man. Esther ’s obedient and meek spirit won her favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her (Esther 2:15). Ruth obeyed Naomi’s instructions how to behave (Ruth 3:5-6).
- Chastity is not obsolete. It is not old fashioned to be chaste. Immoral thoughts will result in immoral behaviour and language. The bible warns us that evil communication corrupts good manners (I Corinthians 15:33).
It is a gift to be a woman, the one which young women should be taught to cherish and appreciate. The beauty of a woman is enhanced by her conduct, her speech, and her overall feminine demeanor.
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies… Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised (Proverbs 31:10; 30).
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