Not Dishonoring the Word

Lately we’ve been looking at the list directed toward young women in Titus 2. Paul instructs young women to “be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored (or blasphemed as some translations read).” I’m going to focus on the end of this verse. What does it mean that the word of God may not be dishonored? Basically, the purpose of our (hopefully) godly actions are to bring glory to God and prove to others that Scripture is true! What a high calling! If we claim to be Christians, yet neglect to be discreet, good, obedient to our husbands, etc., we ruin not only our personal reputation as Christ’s children, but we also malign the Word so that others might doubt its truth.

As I was pondering this I couldn’t help but think of one very public example that has played out on the front pages of many magazines and news shows. Many (myself included) have watched the TLC show “Jon and Kate Plus Eight”. I really enjoyed watching how they interacted with each other and their kids when the show started. Their lives were certainly filled with much stress as they juggled eight very young children and I know that I can never fully understand the immense pressure they face in their daily lives. They have also been very public with their profession to be Christians (mainly in her book, Multiple Blessings). However, I began to notice that with each season, the show became less and less edifying and I almost felt embarrassed to be witnessing both Jon and Kate continually neglect their God-given roles. Both made mistakes and most recently announced their recent separation and impending divorce. How tragic! My heart breaks for this couple and for all of their children. But, my heart also breaks because of the many that have watched their show, and hear the news and know that they are Christians! Certainly the Word has been dishonored in this case. If we are going to be public about what the Lord has done for us, we better back it up with lives fully committed and obedient to the Word! What better place to start than in our own homes? Do I treat my husband with respect? Do I seek to be discreet and chaste? Is the home my priority? I am certainly not perfect and I’m glad there aren’t cameras in my house. The world may not witness my faults, but those in my home will. Will they grow up knowing that my actions back up what I teach them from the Bible or am I dishonoring the Word even as I teach it to my children? We need to always be aware that in public or private, we need to “practice what we preach” so that God’s Word is held in high esteem and that others can know the saving grace of Jesus.