The Aged Christian Woman Role: Teaching, Loving, and Leading
Embracing Our Roles as Aged Women
Most of our thoughts when we are younger involve learning and living in the present. Rarely do we ponder the possibilities of our older life to come. While we may think about saving for the future or what retirement might look like, we often overlook the roles we will play in our later years. I can tell you that when I was younger, I never thought about how my role as a grandparent would look. I don't know anyone in their 20s or even early 30s who says to themselves, "What will my role be when I am aged?"
Reflecting on Our Roles in Later Years
Now, as a Nonna (grandmother), with a few gray hairs in my head and eyebrows, I often think about what God would have me do as I enter my aged years. What is my role? We often hear about the negative stereotypes of being old—grumpy, nasty, bitter. Sadly, I've met believers in Jesus Christ who fit these stereotypes. But we don't have to conform to these negative images. Another stereotype is of the aged woman who refuses to let go of her youth. I hope you ladies don't get upset with me, but I'm certain you've heard these things too.
Understanding Our God-Given Roles
So, what exactly is our role as aged women? In today's world, "roles" can be seen as confining, but they are meant to help us order our lives. Let's take a look at what the Bible says about the role of aged women. In Titus 2:3-5 (KJV), we read:
"The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
Living Out Our Faith
In my younger years, I likely glossed over these scriptures. Now, with muscles that grow sore faster than before and a body that no longer springs out of bed like toast out of a toaster. Don't make me feel like I'm alone in this now—(smile). I see how important these scriptures are. They provide a blueprint for living a Spirit-led life and being a living testimony to younger women.
The Importance of Mentorship
When I was younger, I needed wise living modeled for me, but I saw very little of it. Now, I realize how important it is as an older Christian woman to model holiness and sober living before the younger generation. This isn't just about being present on YouTube, a blog, TV, or a podcast. It's about being up close and personal in our daily lives. It's about the young neighbor next door, the niece getting married, or your daughter's teen friend who may not see Christ lived out in her home. This is how we are to teach the younger women around us.
Rediscovering Mentorship
Have we lost what mentorship really is? It's more than a list of dos and don'ts. Let's look at what scripture says about how we should live before younger women. We should live in a reverent way, honoring God not just by our outward appearance but by living a life filled with good deeds. We see an example of this in Tabitha.
[Act 9:36 KJV] 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Teaching Through Our Actions
Not only should we honor God in our behavior, but we should also teach younger women good things. Are we using our mouths for gossip and slander? Are we showing them how kindness and love should look? We must live in a way that doesn't bring shame to the name of Jesus Christ. I once heard a pastor say that you don't have to teach a woman how to love. But you most certainly do! We are not exempt from the fall of mankind. I have met a few unloving women in my time and, let's be honest here, have probably (wink) been a little unloving myself at times.
Our love should not just be for those who are around us temporarily, but also for those really close to us, like spouses and our children who can pluck our nerves. They likely see the unfiltered us, right! That is why it is extremely important to teach them to love because of how much it can impact their faith. We must live in a way that will not bring shame to the name of Jesus Christ.
Embracing Our God-Given Role
As aged women, let's pick up the baton and intentionally live in a way that brings honor and glory to God. Let's teach the younger women around us to do the same. If you've failed at this in the past, it's okay because God's mercies are new every morning. I, too, have failed at times, but today is a new day filled with the lovingkindness of our Savior. This is a role that I will gladly take on, and I am thankful that with every fire that burns away my chaff, it will be used to strengthen others so they too will be able to do the same for the younger women when they are aged.
Sharing Our Stories and Blessing
I would love to hear about an older woman who helped you grow and taught you how to live soberly and righteously. May God continue to teach us, the aged women, so that we can share the wisdom He has given us to further His Kingdom. Amen.
Read here to find out how to lead your home as mothers.
