I don’t think most Christian women who want to do God’s will set out to teach their children or anybody else something wrong, yet Scripture commands for us to be a “teacher of good things” (Titus 2:4). Why would God take the time to command this? As with the patterns of other scriptures (think the 10 Commandments), it seems God knew our tendency would be the opposite of the command. He had to tell us not to worship any other god beside Him because He knows we’re prone to idolize things. We are told not to covet because our desires often fall on others’ stuff instead of with what He gives us. Our tendency is to seek what we want. We like self-gratification and what better way to be gratified than to see yourself and what you like to do in another person? Admit it. You may even get pleasure out of those who hate on you by trying to be you. Whether through imparting similarities or someone trying to be like you, it’s like having a double portion of your desires manifested. God wants replication, but He just wants it for the right reason (to give Him glory) and according to the Bible (His direction).

Some good things He tells women to teach are what I will discuss in detail in coming blogs (Titus 2:3-5). Let me add to that the basics that I think we’ve gotten away from: The 10 Commandments which are summed up in two: love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). This is the focus this week. This, I believe, is what we need, and not self-styled mini-me’s.

Copyright 2009 by Rhonda J. Smith