Titus 2

“…that they admonish the young women to…be good…that the Word of God may not be blasphemed.” Titus 2.5

Just exactly what happens when women learn to be good. What does it look like? What is the fruit evidenced in their lives of such goodness?

“Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.” 1 Timothy 5.9,10

Did you note that list of good works? Maybe these aren’t the kinds of things you consider noteworthy — maybe you were thinking of great things instead. But here we have it — these things are identified by God as good works. Guess we should take a look!

1. bringing up children

Don’t forget, you can have impact on children. Whether yours or your neighbor’s, you can touch that young life. Do this good work, do it regularly, do it intentionally. Make a plan to influence the children in your sphere.

2. lodging strangers

Show hospitality to neighbors, new folks in town, a visitor at church, or a student away from home. Your home can bless someone. Make a plan today for such ministry.

3. washing saints’ feet

Serve believers in practical ways: make a meal, send a note of encouragement, clean their home when they are sick, babysit when they need a break, or help with a ride. You don’t have a plan to do these things? Guess what? Make one!

4. relieving the afflicted

Feed the hungry, clothe those in need, visit the widows and those in prison, care for those who are in need. Find a way to incorporate this in the midst of all your doings. It’s God stuff.

5. diligently follow good works

Once you include these things, keep at it. Do it faithfully. Don’t give up, don’t grow weary in well-doing. There is a promise: in due season you will reap if you do not faint, do not give up or throw the towel in. Keep getting back on track. Just hang in there, doing good works. A crown awaits you. And that’s good. But know what’s even better? You will have accomplished that for which you were created.

The things on that list are not beyond our grasp. God has not required something of us that we cannot do. A hefty financial investment is not necessary (although if it is within your means that may be your privilege, too!) It will cost you time and energy, and will incorporate creativity, gifts that God has given to everyone.

I understand that your time may be at a premium, your energy spent, and your creativity taxed. Young moms especially may feel the squeeze. Just the same, now is the time to establish good works in your routine. Modeling such sacrifice to your children reaps great reward as you see them grow in an understanding of sowing their own time and energy in kingdom service in the days to come. Allowing your 5 yr. old to make a pie with you expressly for the purpose of bringing it next door to welcome that new neighbor teaches them many Godly principles and establishes a pattern of good works in their young life. Training your children to tidy the home for company, greet the visitor properly at the door, serve them food and drink, entertain them, and carry on conversation provides them with tools to use for years to come and allows you to practice hospitality today. Getting involved in a soup kitchen or gift-box ministry to needy children provides opportunity for your children to serve by your side in such valuable ministry.

So, take a survey of how you invest your time and energy. Then begin to plan accordingly. Re-prioritize, add to, revamp, get back on track, or keep it up!

“Be good” — and produce good works. Start today! There’s no better time than now.