The Apostle Paul was quite direct to Titus about making disciples of all the people who had believed in Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).  Having spoken about the older men (Titus 2:2), Paul addressed issues relating to the older women (culturally, both would normally have considered themselves above such instruction).  He knew that godly mothers and grandmothers would have a profoundly good influence on the church, the younger women, their children and husbands (1 Timothy 1:5). It was therefore vital that these family role models should not continue in a lifestyle which was contrary to God's Word; otherwise, the gospel would fall into disrepute.

Particular issues Paul had noted, during his ministry to people in Crete, were their intake of alcohol and output of malicious words. As believers in Jesus, those habits had to change.  The women were not to spend their time in slanderous gossip which spoiled people's reputations, but rather to have a purpose in their lives: teaching the younger women and being a good example to them.  As they became believers the young mothers should enable their homes to become demonstrations of God's love and of submission: respecting the spiritual headship of their husbands (Ephesians 5:21-24).

Of course, Paul did not speak or write with his own authority, but was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the Word of God (Titus 1:1-3).  That is why we need to take these verses seriously too.  When someone believes in Jesus Christ as Saviour, their lifestyle must change.  However old or young we may be, we belong to Christ: and however persuasive the prevailing culture may be, the Lord has the right to say how we should behave in order to please Him (Ephesians 5:10).

But sometimes these simple, practical instructions are the hardest to obey, and we will need help from godly people we respect.  Those who have also allowed the Lord to change their hearts are best placed to show us how we can live in Christ.  If we are older, then we have a special responsibility to set a good example to those who are younger.  None of us can please ourselves (Romans 15:1).  Although we may not like to be corrected, thinking that God's Word does not apply to us, we must obey what He says.