Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “reverent”? You may think of a moment of silence or having a solemn attitude. Being reverent often means the context is serious, so we need to act in a way of respect. In Scripture, this word refers to more than just a momentary solemn attitude, it is a calling to live in a way that all behavior reflects and shows respect to Christ. What we share, pass on, and consume will change when our hearts and lives bow in reverence to God.
But we can only live this way as we are empowered by Him to do so. Romans 6:17-18 says, “But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were entrusted, and after being freed from sin, you became slaves to righteousness.” In Christ, you have been set free! You are no longer bound by behaviors that are so pervasive in the world around us, such as gossip and drunkenness. You can live in Christ and pass on His hope to others. You have been changed and made new. You have been called to more than just a moment of reverence to God in church or in small group; you have been called to a life that is changed by Him and lived in reverence to Him.
- What is a pattern that you struggle to place under the authority of God?
- Why is reverence counter to the natural way we want to live?
- Pray and thank God for who He is and how He has changed your nature so that life with Him is possible.
