"Theology - the science of living blessed forever" (William Perkins).
Thanks for joining me as we continue to take baby steps in our study of the Titus 2 woman. I know there are those who are anxious to know what to "do" and I appreciate that. But before we "do" anything we must be clear about why we are doing it.
Recently my sister went to the Princess Diana exhibit which is presently touring our country. What met her and captured her attention immediately was Diana's silver and gold, diamond-laced crown, which was prominently displayed. In addition to that, there were other pieces of Diana's jewelry including a necklace with 46 diamonds! What added to the beauty of these royal jewels was the lighting that was cast upon them. The angles at which the lights were skillfully placed allowed onlookers to see every colorful facet of every gem. It was easy for me to see the impression this exhibit had on Jaynee as her own eyes sparkled as she described her experience there.
As beautiful as the jewels and gowns were, the rest of the exhibit displayed another beauty: Diana's humanitarian work (for which she is most famous). During her life she spent much time visiting and helping patients with AIDS, cancer and leprosy. In a real sense she used her royal position well. Sadly though, for this princess there was not a "happily ever after" ending to her life. Her marriage and personal life fell to ruins. Despite that, for generations to come, Diana's jewels, gowns, and other memorabilia will be displayed and thousands will look and remember the best about her.
Ladies, if we have been saved from our sins and the wrath of God through the sacrifice of Christ, we are no longer enemies of God nor are we common women. We are now adopted daughters of the most Sovereign One. As part of God's royal family (the church) God considers us the jewels in His crown to be displayed for all the world to see (Zechariah 9:16; Isaiah 62:3). Our lives proclaim (testify, give attention to) Christ our Savior. And, like the lighting at the Princess Diana exhibit, our good works cast a beautiful light upon the Gospel. This is what it means to "glorify God" (to reveal or make clearer the glory of God by ones actions). People watch as we live our lives in joyful obedience to our God of grace. Though unbelievers may not always admit it, when they see a woman joyfully fulfilling her God-given purpose, the unbeliever is impacted (at some level) by her beauty and her strength.
The opposite is true too. When we do not live according to the clear teaching of God found in the Bible, we make a mess of things. The world sees this as well and they have cause to snicker, mock, and disdain God, God's word, and our profession of faith. To use Paul's words in the book of Titus, God's word is reviled (Titus 2:5).
Have you been impacted as you've observed a woman graciously living out God's design for womanhood? Did it cause you to think more deeply on God, the Gospel and His wonderful plan for manhood and womanhood? It isn't easy thing living the Titus 2 way, or the Proverbs 31 way. But it is good. It works. It is most beautiful. And it is what God requires (Ephesians 2:8,9,10).
It is only when we experientially live in the joy of Ephesians 2:8-9 we will give ourselves to the good works of verse 10. This is theology: the science of living blessed (happily) forever.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Gayline -- your post made me think of the old hymn: When He Cometh, When He Cometh.
"When he cometh, when he cometh to make up his jewels, all his jewels, precious jewels, his loved and his own.
Chorus: Like the stars of the morning, his bright crown adorning, they shall shine in their beauty, bright gems for his crown.
"He will gather, he will gather the gems for his kingdom, all the pure ones, all the bright ones, his loved and his own.
"Little children, little children who love their Redeemer, are the jewels, precious jewels, his loved and his own."
It's a wonder that God has chosen me to be one of his jewels and as his chosen daughter I want to shine as brightly for him as I can but I can't do it on my own. So, he cuts the facets, polishes them brightly and for some reason positions the light in just the right way for me/us to reflect his work in my life/our lives back to him for his glory. Amazing.
Debbie
Whoa! I haven't heard that hymn for probably 45 years, even before I was a believer!!
Thanks for your comments Deb. He has made us His jewels, and yes, He is the one who makes us able to glorify Him. We certainly could never do it on our own.
I remember years ago Mrs. Raimondi gave her testimony, and I was reminded of it by this post. She really impacted me with that and she is a great woman to look up to in reference to how women should conduct themselves in a Godly manner. We are the bride of Christ and He shall make us fit to be so.
You are so right. I remember that testimony. Isn't it interesting what positively impacts and affects us for years? Oh may the Lord give us the same grace He has given to Collette, that we would be a testimony of the Cross to those come behind us.
Post a Comment