The Christian women in Crete

Paul’s letter to Titus was borne out of the need to correct some erroneous happenings in the Cretan church. Titus was one of the workers who diligently served the Lord and assisted Apostle Paul in his missionary journeys. The letter was written while Paul was still in Rome. Certain bad characters had infiltrated the church and influenced the members. The letter admonished Titus to restore to the church what has been lost and also teach the members to return to the Lord. Crete, according to the Bible Study dictionary, was located south of the Aegean Sea, and is the fifth largest Mediterranean island in terms of land. According to the Cretan philosopher Epimenides, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” This was quoted by Paul in his letter to Titus (Titus 1:12). Thus, character deformities of the Cretan believers could also be traced to their way of life before accepting the Lord. One group of people the letter admonished Titus to teach were women. Let’s consider what Apostle Paul expected Titus to teach the Christian women in Crete.

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 urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, (Titus 2:3‭-‬4)

Paul admonished Titus to teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). In Titus 2:2-6, Paul states that:
“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 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 urge 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. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.
Let’s focus on what Titus was expected to teach the Christian women in Crete. The older women were expected to be taught to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. It is after the older woman demonstrates good virtues that they in turn can urge 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. The truth is, it will be morally inappropriate for slanderous, wine addicted and disrespectful older women to teach Godliness to the younger women.

Older Christian women should be role models to the younger ones being very conscious to live and practice what they preach. Without good role models, the church will not be able to fully equip the younger generation. That’s why it was very important for Paul to deal with the older women who in turn could mentor the younger ones. Remember, these Cretan believers had been saved from a background described by their own philosopher as “liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” These vices might have been part of their lives and they would have considered these as normal. Therefore, in becoming believers, these Cretan women including their men had to forget the life of lying, evil and gluttony that they were used to. In fact, anyone living this kind of life is susceptible to be disrespected by the younger generation. The Cretans were in Christ but their sinful past was still reigning in their members.

Therefore Paul reminded them that “the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11‭-‬12).
There are many Cretan churches these days. Christian congregations that are hugely infiltrated with the sins of the unbelieving world. Congregations that approve of sin and garnish it with love. The letter to Titus is relevant in our days. We have been saved from the kingdom of darkness to save others as well. The church is a hospital that treats patients (sinners) and discharges them when they are healed. However, there are many churches with enough patients who are not being treated to be free but are encouraged that Jesus loves them just as they are. These Cretan churches by their actions make void the great significance of the death of Jesus.

The Proverbs 31 woman: A wife of noble character

There are many nameless women in the Bible. Most of these women point to an actual woman whose name was not recorded by the authors of the Bible. An example is the Shunammite woman. The Shunammite woman made a massive impact in the life of the prophet,  Elisha. She also received a child through prophecy, her dead child was raised to life and her properties were restored to her. But, all that we know is that she was a woman from Shunem. There are other feminine characters who personify specific traits or characters, e.g. wisdom. Further, there are other women who seem to be the perfect depiction of womanhood but do not directly point to a specific person in the Bible. One of such is the Proverbs 31 woman. The Proverbs 31 woman is the ideal woman of most God-fearing men. She seems to be everything a man wants but she does not point to a specific named woman in the Bible. In other words, the author presents this woman as a model woman for God-fearing women. 

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. (Proverbs 31:10)

Proverbs 31 is in two folds: the first (verse 1-9) considers the advice King Lemuel received from his mother and the second (verse 10-31) presents a detailed description and character profile of this wife of noble character. This is how the Proverbs 31 woman is introduced: “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10).  Other versions such as the Message Bible (MSG) presents her as this: “A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.” The first thing we want to consider about this Proverbs 31 woman is the fact that she has a noble character. Her inner virtues are commendable. She is a good woman and her goodness is visible. Her value is not based on her outer beauty but her inner virtues makes her worth far more than rubies. Thus, any man who finds her has laid his hands on real wealth. She is priceless. Her value stems from her package. She is good, she is strong, she is tenacious, she is bold and daring. The other verses attest to these. Because of her nature, “her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value” (Proverbs 31:11). The husband of this virtuous woman is a blessed man because he is married to a woman who has brought value to his life. This value is based on the different facets of this woman which we would consider in the coming days.

The Proverbs 31 woman also brings to her husband good, not harm, all the days of her life (Proverbs 31:12). Thus, she radiates goodness, her demeanor and nature reflect the goodness of God. Her godly virtues and her desire to excel make her associate with like-minded people. She has no time for baseless and unprofitable conversations. The ultimate goal of this Proverbs 31 woman is to align with God’s will and call on her life. She is busy with things that have eternal and early value. Anytime I read about the Proverbs 31 woman, one thing stands out: she is timeless. Her character and virtues can be incorporated in every generation. In every generation, women with godly virtues are preferred over those who lack good morals. No wonder even the wicked womanizer desires to have a good woman for a wife. 

Can the Proverbs 31 woman survive in the 21st century? Certainly Yes! God-fearing women who desire to have the character of this Proverbs 31 woman should work towards it. It is not automatic! When we become believers, we don’t change overnight to become the Proverbs 31 woman. We need to understand the foundations of our faith, desire growth and mature to become women who are not tossed about by every storm of life. We need to work on ourselves. Remember, the pressures we face are not different from the pressures of womanhood in the 4th Century BC. Women throughout generations are vulnerable and susceptible to pain and hurt. To remain a Proverbs 31 woman is a journey of spiritual growth. It is possible to gain all the academic laurels and never attain the standard of the Proverbs 31 women. A noble and virtuous character is not learned at an academic institution. It is learned under the feet of Jesus.

Dear woman, be willing and ready to be taught,  mentored, equipped and trained for your bigger assignment. Dear man, as you desire to marry a virtuous woman, make it your lifetime priority to become a virtuous husband. Unequal yokes do not balance. The main reason for the challenges in most Christian marriages is the fact that the couple are unequally yoked! Imagine a noble woman married to an ignoble  man and vice versa. The result is disaster!

The betrayer!

One person in the Bible whose action has made him unpopular is Judas Iscariot. He was one of the twelve disciples Jesus prayerfully chose (Luke 6:12-13). Jesus had spent all night praying on the mountain and after the prayer, He appointed the twelve. It is amazing that Judas Iscariot was one of those who were prayerfully chosen to be part of the twelve. Was Jesus not aware that Judas Iscariot would betray Him? Jesus knew the hearts of all men and did not make a mistake in choosing Judas Iscariot. The betrayer joined the ministry and for three and half years with Jesus, He also impacted lives, propagated the good news and was given authority over impure spirits (Matthew 10; Mark 6).

And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” (Matthew 26:21)

However, Judas is also known for the following:
*A thief (John 12:3-6)
*He didn’t love the poor (John 12;6)
*He secretly went to the high priest to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10)
*He was looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:16)
*His lifestyle allowed Satan to enter him (John 13:27)

Jesus was aware that one of the twelve was a devil (John 6:70-71) and yet Jesus did not drive him out of the twelve until God’s word was fulfilled. Certainly, the character of Judas Iscariot is not worth emulating. However, we learn important lessons from his lifestyle. The fact that we go to church always does not make us immune to evil. Judas listened to all the life-changing messages of Jesus. He saw many of the miracles including raising the dead back to life but he still betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Judas was sent and given authority to heal the sick and cast out demons. Judas Iscariot reported together with the rest of the disciples how Satan was subdued by their ministry (see Matthew 10; Mark 6).

Our character must conform to Christ each day if not, we will be Christians who are ready to betray and crucify Jesus all over again (Hebrew 6:6). Judas experienced the love and compassion of Jesus towards the poor but he still betrayed him. At the end of his life, Judas committed suicide and the Apostles replaced him with another (Acts 1:25). He lost his position to be a foundation of the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:4).

Prayer: Dear God, remind me daily to work on my character so that I will experience all your good promises in Jesus name. Amen.

The breastplate of righteousness

A breastplate is a metal plate worn as defensive armour for the breast and the chest area of the body. The breastplate defends the soldier from getting hurt at the region of the body that is protected. Important to note is that the breastplate also protects the heart from possible injuries. The soldier needs the breastplate to protect themselves. It is not an offensive armour but a defensive one. Paul admonished the Ephesians church that for them to stand their ground against the enemy, they need the breastplate of righteousness. What is the breastplate of righteousness?

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place (Ephesians 6:14)

The breastplate of righteousness refers to the Christian’s character and conduct. Our consistent desire to reflect the life of Christ does not happen without us putting in the effort to daily grow up into the image of Christ. It also requires our faith in the Lord and the assurance of our salvation. Whatever the enemy pushes to us should meet a defensive wall of a righteous Christian character built with faith to reflect the likeness of Christ. The breastplate protects the heart, the chest region, the belly and everything within that region. Since the beginning of the world, the devil has used man’s heart desires to attack man. For example, he knew Jesus had fasted for 40 days and nights and would be hungry and therefore brought food as the temptation. The breastplate of righteousness defends us from evil arrows aimed at breaking our defense and destroying what we truly believe.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile” (Rom. 3:22). Our righteousness is from the finished work of Christ but we need to consciously live it out. The devil looks for loopholes in our character and he uses that to attack us. Do not allow a character deformity to be the entry gate for the enemy. Let the word of God dwell richly in you. Have the attitude of Christ. Do not be filled with just food, but by every word that comes from God. Check your circles and do not associate with people who influence you to move away from God.

If the enemy shoots an arrow targeted at your heart, will it hit on the breastplate of righteousness?

Christlikeness: Bearing the image of the heavenly man

From the dust, God man the first humans on earth and breathed into their nostrils the breath of life. Adam, the first man that was created fell and as a result the whole human race fell. Then Adam and Eve’s descendants populated the world all bearing the Adamic image at birth. So far as we are a product of a man and a woman, whether coming together, or whatever means (technologically) used. We cannot hide from the fact that we were born with the DNA of Adam. This natural man is already sinful at birth because of the fall in Eden. Is there a way out? How can we be like Christ if we are already sinful at birth?

And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.(1 Corinthians 15:49)

Thankfully, God’s original plan for humanity to reflect the image of His son was in no way affected by the fall of man. From Genesis until the death and resurrection of Jesus, sacrificial lambs were used to atone for the sin of mankind. This was actually the shadow of reality. As we bore the image of Adam at birth, when we come to Christ, we are transformed into the image of the heavenly man who is Christ Jesus. Jesus was God’s perfect sacrifice because as a result of His virgin birth, He did not have the Adamic DNA. Therefore, His blood was without sin and He himself lived a sinless life as well.

Paul wrote that, “We follow this sequence in Scripture: The First Adam received life, the Last Adam is a life-giving Spirit. Physical life comes first, then spiritual—a firm base shaped from the earth, a final completion coming out of heaven. The First Man was made out of earth, and people since then are earthy; the Second Man was made out of heaven, and people now can be heavenly. In the same way that we’ve worked from our earthy origins, let’s embrace our heavenly ends.”
(1 Corinthians 15:45‭-‬49 MSG) Knowing that we have been called to bear the image of the heavenly man should influence our way of life.

We should know that because of Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin, fear, pain, shame, guilt, depression, confusion and everything else that hold us back from fully enjoying our heavenly status. However, if we are still going through things that do not reflect our heavenly status, then we have to go to the Father for help. We should present all our petitions before our Father. We should also pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:18a). All kinds of prayer includes adoration, praise, worship, thanksgiving, petition, intercession, supplication etc.

Remember since the Garden of Eden, the devil has tried to take us away from the presence of God. Do not give him a space in your life.

Christlikeness: Have an eternity mindset

Growing up, everyone in my Sunday school class was able to effortlessly quote John 3:16. In fact the verse was so much imprinted on our minds that even if we were awakened from sleep, we would have still been able to quote it. However, did we really understand the importance of this verse? Not really! Sometimes it is so easy to be engrossed in church activities and church quotes but difficult to have a relationship with God. We have not been called to just recite verses and creeds, we have been called to eternal life and this must be fully understood in order for us to reflect it in our daily lives.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.(John 3:16)

Jesus had a conversation with Nicodemus, teacher of the law. Through the conversation, Jesus told Nicodemus of God’s eternal plan for mankind. God so much loved the world that He gave out His one and only Son who ultimately died and resurrected. But, anyone who believes in the Son of God will not perish but have eternal life. In telling Nicodemus this, Jesus emphatically confirmed that the only way to eternal life is by believing in Him (Jesus). Thus, the believer has been chosen to enjoy eternal life and this eternal life comes through Jesus. Therefore, it is understandable that God would expect us to grow into the image of Christ. How can we spend eternity with someone we are not like? It is not possible.

The Christian journey does not end after we depart from this mortal body. We will spend forevermore with the Lord Jesus Christ and therefore, we need to have the Christ life, attitude, lifestyle, mentality, love, hope etc. No one would be happy to be in a union with someone they do not like. The same way, if we have been chosen to have eternal life, then we should start living on earth with an eternity mindset. We should be committed to knowing Jesus more and more through our Bible study, Bible reading, Quiet times, prayer times and also through our lifestyles. We cannot be excused from this Christ-centred lifestyle.

Remember, just as you don’t want to spend a lifetime with someone who is not compatible with you, you cannot spend eternity with the Lord if you do not have an attitude of Christ.

The new creation has come!

On my wedding day, the Apostle who blessed our union proclaimed, “The old Mary you knew is not the same Mary now. She is now the wife of Michael Agronah and you should all call her Mary Agronah. You should not refer to her by her old name.” This statement has really defined my new self and till date, even my dad is very conscious about calling me Mrs. Agronah. I still use my maiden name in addition to my matrimonial name but I am first and foremost Mrs. Agronah before any other name given by my parents.

Like magic, I became a new Mary as soon as the clergy proclaimed us a husband and wife. My new state requires specific lifestyles and attitudes that might not reflect the single state of Mary. On a daily basis, I try to reflect that way of life. I cannot do things on my own now. I have to discuss all my plans with Michael before I proceed. I just cannot go out and return when I want. No way! I am a new person and the old single Mary has no place in my life.
This reminds me of my salvation journey.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

When we come to Christ, we become a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here! Therefore, we do not live to reflect our old way of life. We reflect the culture of Christ. Our new life demands a different attitude and lifestyle. We do not explore options but we live the Christ-way. Yes, Christlikeness is the way of life for those who are in Christ. Technically, men should see Christ in you. You are an ambassador of Christ and that is why you are called a Christian. If you are not reflecting Christ, know that you need to go back to the drawing board and check your ways.

To ponder on
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:20‭-‬21)

Whose image do you reflect?

I have 2 daughters, one is an express image of her dad. The other, ah well… we still do not know who she looks like. She keeps changing each day. Maybe she will end up looking like me. In case she doesn’t, no problem. Though Michael and I didn’t plan the looks of our children, we are not surprised they look the way they do. It is genetically motivated. The children reflect us in many ways. Although they may have their individual personalities, our DNA is related. In the same way, when we come to Christ, the ultimate goal is to be like Christ. We don’t come to Christ to look like the Devil. No way! Our DNA should reflect Christ.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.(Romans 8:29)

Christlikeness is an unpopular topic in the house of God but it is the critical goal of our Christian walk. God predestined us to be conformed to the image of his Son. We cannot look more of the world and less of Christ. When you meet us and our daughters, you cannot ignore the visible similarities between us. Basically, you don’t need a lab test to confirm our relationship.

When we meet a believer, it should not take us hours to identify the similarities between Christ and him. Christ in us should be seen in the way we talk, the way we relate to others and our general manner of life.

Today, take stock of your life and see if you are reflecting Christ or the world. If the world cannot distinguish between you and an unbeliever, then you are not reflecting Christ. Finally, Christ through His life has shown us genuine love. If you are not showing love, know that you are not demonstrating Christ. Remember, Christ in you is the light that shines in the darkness. Let your light bring men to Christ. Amen.

A wife of noble character

Marriage is honorable in every respect but a wrong union can lead to ones untimely death. It is better to be single than to be yoked together with a godless spouse. It’s like decaying while alive. Make a conscious effort to enter this union only at the right time and with the right spouse.

There is a saying that a good wife is a home builder. The truth is both men and women are home builders. However the woman has certain qualities which helps in building a good home. Many times, young men have been advised against marrying a woman based on her beauty alone but should consider certain qualities that promote a good home.

Solomon was right when he said, “a wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones (Proverbs 12:4). A good character is an asset worth investing into. Remember, a wife of noble character who is married to a man of ignoble character is still a disaster (consider Abigail and Nabal, 1 Samuel 25). 

We recommend our book on marriage which is available on Amazon. Marriage: What makes it work (Understanding the principles and foundations of a successful marriage). You can order for your copy here

If you are yet to marry, we recommend our book “Principle for choosing the right marriage partner” for you. It is available on Amazon and you can order for it here

Principles for choosing the right marriage partner

Prayer: Dear Lord, create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalms 51:10). Remind me daily to work on my character to be a man/woman of noble character in Jesus name.