I did feel different, and I remember hoping things would change. But as the years passed, I continued to get so wrapped up in sin that I forgot about my salvation experience all together. But God was gracious to me, and through a series of circumstances I rededicated my life to Christ. I decided to follow Him, no turning back. But 5 precious years had been wasted; 5 years that could have been used for God’s glory.

Why did that happen? It happened partly because I failed and didn’t take personal responsibility to grow in Christ and serve Him. But something else was lacking in my life, it’s lacking in our churches today, and it was lacking in Bible times too.

Look at this verse. Paul is instructing Timothy here…

Titus 1:5 – For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting.

Paul is telling Timothy that some things were lacking in the ministry in Crete. And then he goes on to mention them specifically. One of my favorite passages of Scripture is included in the list…

Titus 2:3-5 – The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

This is one of my favorite passages because it is the most specific job I’m given as a woman in my local church. It’s a job for every woman, in every church, in every part of the world. And it wasn’t happening in Crete. Older women were not coming alongside younger teens and women to teach them the basic elements of their daily walk with the Lord. Sadly, this didn’t happen when I was younger, and it’s not happening as much as it should today.

I have no doubt that my teen years as a new believer would have looked so different with a godly woman living life with me; inviting me into her home, talking to me about her Bible reading, teaching me how to love Jesus. So much heartache and regret could have been spared. But God is good, like He always is; and although I got off to a rough start, He still decided to use me.

I’ve been serving him for over 20 years now; 17 of those as a missionary with my husband, Jason, to Chile. And I take Titus 2:3-5 very seriously.

These young girls and ladies need us. Yes, we’re busy; and we have our own families to take care of. But if we don’t have time to do what God says in His word, then we need to rearrange our schedules and priorities. So much more is learned in day-to-day living than in ladies meetings and church activities. We need to open our homes and lives to younger women so the next generation will know and serve God