If you want some down-to-earth, practical, Biblical guidance on living your life according to God’s beautiful design for women, put Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother by Carolyn Mahaney high on your reading list this spring. It’s the best book I’ve read on Titus 2. We used it in our Women's Sunday School class for six months, and we probably could have gone longer—it’s so rich in biblical truth.The basis of the book is about the transforming power of the gospel to change us, our marriages, our families, and our personal ministries. Carolyn discusses the virtues of Titus 2 that we are to encourage in the lives of younger women. But she doesn’t leave them as lofty ideals; she hits on the challenges we face in living them out and offers sound counsel to nurture us along the way.
One of our assignments each week in our SS class was to mark statements that we thought were particularly meaningful to us. I could have highlighted most of the book—it was that good! But to choose one to share with you today would be a statement Carolyn makes early-on in the first chapter. She writes: “The commands found in Titus 2 have been given to us for an all-important reason that transcends time and culture. That reason is the gospel of Jesus Christ. These virtues are not about our personal fulfillment or individual preference. They are required for the sake of unbelievers—so that those who are lost might come to know our Savior.” As Titus 2:5 exhorts us--so the Word of God will not be dishonored.
This is a great devotional read when you can set aside a few minutes each day to ponder its pages and ask God to transform your life, your marriage, your family, and your personal ministry.
