December 2013 Newsletter – No one will malign the word of God
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NO ONE WILL MALIGN THE WORD OF GOD
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:3-4
But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
Most Commonly Asked Questions of Contact Moms
Q: My husband and I are at a loss to know what are the best consequences to use when correcting our teen?
A: When attempting to think of an appropriate consequence, the answer actually depends of the age of the teen, as there is a vast difference between a 13 yr. old & a 19 yr. old. For those whose teen is still on the young side, [13-15/16] it wise not to take a “hands off approach” too quickly. While he or she may be making progress towards wisdom, he’s early in the transition and there is still lots of ‘coaching’ taking place. As you are using parental influence in guiding your teen’s schedule, actions and decisions, there will still be times when you will need to exercise parental authority.
Remember the biggest factor in determining consequences during the teen years will be based on the strength of the parent/teen relationship. A word for those who are looking ahead to the teen years, there is no time like the present to begin/continue working on building that trusting relationship and moving from ‘authority to influence’. However if you are reaching the end of the teen years, then the equation should be parental influence is greater than parental authority. During the later half of the teen years, a young adult will be making most of his or her own decisions and much of the influence that a parent has will be based more on their choice than yours. If your teen is asking your advice, consider it a blessing and proceed by coming alongside rather than attempting to pull him the desired direction. As far as consequences go, those usually fall into the natural/logical arena – for example if your teen is driving the family car and knows it’s his responsibility to make sure the gas tank is filled to at least where he found it, but you find it’s nearly empty, and this is the second time in a row, the natural/logical consequence is he loses the privilege of driving the car, plus he must pay to have the tank filled. Sometimes the consequence comes ‘naturally’ as a result of the choices they made. Another thing to remember is the funnel still applies to teens. As parents, evaluate how your teen is handling his new freedoms and don’t be afraid to take them back if necessary. For instance – a 16 yr. old with a new license that is not coming home after youth group in a timely manner may lose the freedom of driving himself to that activity. The teen years can be a joy! Proceed wisely and don’t hold on too tightly; you have trained them for such a time as this.
Malign: speak blasphemy of, defame, rail on, revile, speak evil of; unfavorable, tending to injure
Contrast – to honor, give credence, favor; to exemplify and speak well of God’s love and His Kingdom principles
THOUGHTS FROM THE BOARD
“So that no one will malign the word of God”. This phrase produces a solemn sense of humiliation and conviction within me. As women desiring not to malign the Word of God, it would be advantageous to now read Titus 2:3-5, in its entirety. The passage urges women to be involved in the lives of other women while supporting, mentoring and being living examples of the directives presented. It is both humbling and a privilege to realize that whatever effort I put into modeling God’s love and His principles, that my actions will also honor and demonstrate the truth and power of God and His Word.
Basically, as women, we are given the opportunity, regardless of our sense of inadequacy or apprehension, to be God’s Word in the flesh to other women.
As Contact Moms we realize that spiritual mentorship is not an obligatory pressure to be avoided, but rather a unique and divine privilege to be embraced. God presents us with opportunities for growth through helping other moms, which not only advances our character but also brings glory to God’s. Most of us can attribute our own participation in God’s family is, at least in part, due to one or more other women who through the years obediently and consistently embraced the call to teach, train, and exemplify His commands.
Let’s renew and embrace our God-given calling to mentor and support younger women through each phase of their spiritual and parenting journey. The real growth that we facilitate will most likely be our own.
How Our Words Can Defile UsJoin Anne Marie Ezzo and Sharon Carter as they share the biblical importance of learning to use words wisely and the impact words will have in both the home and with others. The practical application shared provides necessary understanding of how the words that come from our heart will edify others and how these words can be seasoned with grace. Visit christianfamilyheritage.org to purchase this CD at a reduced price during the month of December.
It’s amazing to think that we are once more at the close of another year. As we’ve worked through Titus 2:3-5 together, we pray that we have all grown in our understanding of God’s purpose in our lives as women after God’s own heart. We trust that the Holy Spirit has done His unique transforming work in each of our hearts so that each one of us more clearly reflects God’s love towards all those we connect with, starting with our husbands, then our children and then out to the women He has privileged us to mentor and those within our daily sphere of influence. As we each take the time to reflect on His goodness in our life and seek His guidance and direction for the upcoming year, may we also thank Him for His faithfulness and love towards us yesterday, today and tomorrow.
With love & prayers … Christmas blessings and a joy filled New Year!
Anne Marie
On behalf of the CFH Board