Topic: Eight Tenets of Feminine Graces (part 3) (Titus 2:4-5)
Today’s study of the “good things” (Titus 2:3) older women were to teach young wives and mothers focuses on the sixth of eight tenets of feminine graces Paul listed in Titus 2:4-5. Having begun with a directive for Titus to “speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (2:1), Paul writes:
Titus 2:4-5 – “That they [older women] may teach the young women to be sober [exercising sound judgment; prudent], to love [be affectionate for] their husbands, to love [affectionate for] their children, 5 To be discreet [soberminded], chaste [holy; pure from carnality; free from evil], keepers at [workers in the] home, good [honorable; pleasing to God], obedient [subordinate to; ranking under; submitting] to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed [reproached; discredited].”
In review, older women were to urge their younger counterparts “to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, [and] chaste…” (Titus 2:4-5a). At the risk of infuriating radical feminists, Paul adds a sixth discipline of feminine grace for young wives and mothers: “keepers at home” (Titus 2:5b).
Some may think, “There he goes! I knew the preacher would get around to putting every single mom and working mother on a guilt trip!” I assure you that is not my purpose or motive; however, we would be foolish to not consider what Paul meant when he exhorted young women to be “keepers at home”.
Promotional portrait of the cast of the television show, ‘Leave It To Beaver,’ circa 1959. Clockwise (from top): American actors Tony Dow, Hugh Beaumont, Barbara Billingsley and Jerry Mathers. (Photo by R. Gates/Courtesy of Getty Images)
The revered titles of homemaker, housewife and “stay at home mom” are not only rare, but mocked by a society that prioritizes profession, pleasures and possessions above the interests of children. I have cherished memories of coming home from school knowing my mother was waiting to greet my siblings and me. My “Leave It to Beaver” childhood, like the one pictured in the television series that ran from 1957-1963, is rare today, if not extinct altogether. The economic reality of the past 40 years has driven many families to the necessity of both parents working to provide a home and economic security. Additionally, moral erosion and an epidemic of marital infidelity has pressed many women out of the nurturing role of mom and into workplaces that drain them physically and emotionally.
“Keepers at home”, especially in a world of laboring and time-saving appliances (washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, electric stoves and ovens), are able to enjoy many roles; however, none more important than family and home. Let it be said, the greatest expression of a young woman’s love for her husband and family is to keep her home clean, uncluttered and happy.
By the way, pity the wife of a narcissistic husband who expects his wife to toil at work and then come home to bear the responsibilities of the home while he and the children lounge in self-indulgence.
To be continued…
Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith
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