By Sister Cindy Kolar

[The following was received from a new reader of this newsletter and reprinted as an admonition to all Apostolic women and as an encouragement to Sister Patricia Gifford who wrote the referenced article. This article is intended for ‘women only’ to help other women who desire to fulfill their calling as wives and mothers.]

 

As I read a past issue of "View from the Lighthouse" newsletter (Jan-Mar 1997), I was encouraged to read the article written by Sister Patricia Gifford, addressed to women. Although I’ve never met Sister Gifford, I felt a kindred spirit as I read her Holy Ghost inspired admonitions. Today I was about daily chores, as these thoughts started to fill my mind.

We Apostolic women are commanded to teach the young women to be sober, love their husbands, love their children, be discreet (moderate as to opinion or passion), chaste (innocent), keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed. These are not "suggestions", but are things which become sound doctrine!!

How often do we see in "Apostolic" churches women compromising sound doctrine? There are too few older women who feel and obey the burden to teach the younger women to love their husbands, their children, to be keepers at home and the other godly admonitions.

Sadly we see the cold attitude of some older women who says, "To each his own," or "I don’t want to be thought of as nosy." Sadder still is to see those older sisters who do accept and obey their burden being labeled as "old fashioned", or "just not understanding" because "times have changed".

Regardless, God never changes! I believe there are young Apostolic godly women who are crying out inside, "Teach me, teach me what I should do. Teach me how to be a good wife and mother." The Word of God says, ". . .aged women. . .teach the young women. . ." Please, please, all true godly women, seasoned saints of God, don’t withhold the burden to teach us. With the loving, peaceful, long-suffering Spirit of God in you, teach the younger women. Age is not only measured in years, but also in experience.

Some of us might not be 40, 60 or 80 years young yet, but we have had experiences the Lord has brought us through and delivered us far from them. He has taught us and we can teach other babes in Christ how to endure until the end, doing the will of God.

With so much compromise in the church world today (and some in Apostolic assemblies) God is looking for true saints who will take a stand and call things as they are. God is coming back for a spotless church. We have a responsibility to teach and admonish one another (Titus 2 & Col 3:16).

We must speak the truth in love. When we see a sister trying, but "missing" it, perhaps in training her child, or things concerning her husband, saying or doing things she should not be involved in, we must feel and obey our burden. Give an admonishing word at the right time, a note, or a phone call, but please don’t ignore it. Let the Holy Ghost use you to teach.

Allow God’s wisdom to flow thru you. ‘Churches’ are full of women who will turn aside, ignore, or pretend they didn’t see or hear. Don’t you think this contributes to our young ladies going astray, having bad attitudes, compromising on standards of holiness, wanting to please the flesh rather than pleasing God? Some younger women might feel that no one cares. If more of us will heed the call, perhaps more will be spared and not lost. More marriages saved and churches strengthened.

We have a duty to save some, if need be, by pulling them out of the fire. There is a price to be paid. Perhaps we will not be appreciated by some who will feel convicted but won’t turn from their fleshly ways. We may not be very popular, but we will have pleased our Master, Jesus Christ. Some will hear and be saved! The Word of God goes out and does not return void.

I thank God for godly women in my life who took a stand, in the midst of compromise, knew the truth and taught in love and were patient and prayerful. Their Scriptural teaching I shall not forget. Women who not only taught me, but lived their lives as they taught. Sure, we all have more to learn and apply everyday. So, let’s remain sensitive to the Holy Ghost and pray one for another.

Thank you, Sister Gifford, for your burden and teaching. A sister in Christ,

Sister Cindy Kolar