God wants older men and older women to be examples and help the younger men and women grow in their walk with Him. REAL Older women are "reverent in behavior," which, of course, is seen on the outside.

…the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things... - Titus 2:3

Behavior

Outward conduct, clothing, actions, and speech are part of the appropriate behavior for a godly woman and can only be present and real when driven by an inward desire for holiness (being set apart to God).

Additionally, they are "not a slanderer." She is not sowing discord, falsely accusing, or speaking badly of people. You do the devil's work when you slander because he is the ultimate slanderer. Instead, God wants the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peach, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control to be evident in her life.

Self-Control

Self-control is a crucial element related to "not given to much wine." Excess drinking creates a bad example for young women and is unfit for "teachers of good things." Jesus does not want women or men to be under the influence of anything but HIM.

Of course, this is not only about alcohol consumption; it is about self-control. And, remember, how do we get "self-control"?

It is part of the fruit of the Spirit.

"Self" will poorly control itself because everything is about ME according to "self!"

Walking with the Lord, abiding with Him, and allowing the energy of the Holy Spirit to blossom in our life is the only way that "self" is controlled. This is a theme of Titus 2:1-8 and is critical for older women.

Teaching

Finally, REAL older women are "teachers of good things." Everything God asks a younger woman to do is what an experienced, Godly woman knows and teaches, like loving her husband, loving her children, being discreet, being pure, being good, being a homemaker, and being subject to her husband.

Instead of teaching those things, too many mature women settle for the opposite example in those areas. Is your maturity in the Lord a primary source of knowledge for younger women?

What does loving her husband involve? How might her lifestyle be interfering with loving her children? What is the big deal about being discreet, and what is it? What about being pure and good - how can that help? Why homemaking when a career is available? How is she to be subject to her husband, especially if he is treating her poorly?

Older women have a tremendous opportunity to glorify the Lord by studying what He wants of a woman and sharing that with the next generations.

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