A Woman's High Calling: 10 Essentials for Godly Living

by Elizabeth George

An exciting new book filled with inspiring encouragement and practical guidance from bestselling author Elizabeth George! One of the greatest challenges women face is dealing with so many demands and expectations. What are a woman’s greatest priorities? How can she make sure she focuses on what really counts? Drawing on Titus 2:3–5, Elizabeth shares the simple steps a woman can take to make these essentials a joyous reality— Above all, this book affirms how special each and every woman is. Women will become excited as they see that God’s calling is a powerful privilege filled with meaning and purpose.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Marriage, Spirituality

295 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 2001

About the author

Elizabeth George is bestselling author and national speaker dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. For over 30 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth has helped countless men and women:

- Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
- Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
- Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
- Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
- Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
- Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Women around the world are drawn to Elizabeth’s approach of daily starting with the Bible to handle life’s challenges. Her ability to weave biblical truth into everyday issues has led readers to make over 15 of her books bestsellers. Elizabeth’s distinctive work, A Woman After God’s Own Heart, has sold over 1 million copies and received the ECPA Platinum Book Award. Likewise, her delightful book, A Girl After God’s Own Heart, remains a treasured gift for moms and grandmothers and made the CBA Bestseller List for fourteen consecutive months.

Elizabeth also encourages women through her radio broadcast, “A Minute for Busy Women,” featured on Christian radio stations across America and at www.OnePlace.com. She is also a regular keynote speaker at women’s conferences and retreats.

In the midst of their busy writing schedule, Elizabeth and Jim love spending time with their two married daughters and eight grandchildren, taking daily walks along golden sands, and enjoying the beautiful Hawaiian sunsets. They divide time residing in Honolulu, Hawaii and the Washington State coast.

Reviews

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente, es un libro de guía , donde te dice como aplicar lo que Dios pide de ti.

[Shiffra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another book I read with my women's group. Some of the women felt E.G. was a little too conservative, but there was still plenty of good concepts and ideas and applicable stuff.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, Elizabeth George ministers to me through the pages of a book. I love that she is seeped in scripture and does not try to mold that truth to fit what the world says is correct.

My one issue? She said that we should be dispassionate verses out of control. I didn't understand where she got this biblically. Jesus himself was a passionate person, yet self-controlled. I don't believe that passion and self-control are opposites.

If you are looking for a wonderful book on Biblical womanhood, I highly recommend this one.

[Buzgău Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for every Christian woman.

[Rūta Bacevičė · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knyga apie moters pašaukimą ir jos gyvenimą.
Perskaičius šią knygą jutausi gavusi gryną ir kokybišką produktą, be jokių nereikalingų priedų ar istorijų. Autorė viską grindžia Šventuoju raštu, taip pat švelniai drąsindama kiekvieną moterį augti įvairiose gyvenimo tarnystėse.

Mano nuomone vienas didžiausių nuodų moterų gyvenime yra apkalbos, nuo kurių kiekviena iš mūsų turėtų bėgti. Dažnai pagalvodavau, kaip praktiškai būtų galima to išvengti. Tad patiko keli autorės patarimai, kurių vienas iš jų buvo “tiesiog atsistoti ir išeiti.” Paprasta, bet veiksminga. Reiks pabandyt 😂 Mūsų pikti liežuviai gadina draugystės, todėl turim keisti tai dievotu bendravimu.

Moters pašaukimas santuokoje. Esam pašauktos mylėti savo vyrus. “Love based not on husbands worthiness but on Gods command”. Autorė taikliai man priminė, kad turiu mylėti vyrą, netodėl, kad jis tobulas 😜, bet todėl, kad tai Dievo įsakymas.
Labai prajuokino ir patiko citata “Pray for your husband everyday. You cannot hate a person you are praying for. “ Taip pat buvo priminta, kad savo vyrus turim gerbt, klaust jų patarimo, būti pasiruošusios pamokymui. Taip pat neapleisti knygų skaitymo apie santuoką, kad išlaikytyme savo aštrius protus.

Moters pašaukimas auklėjant vaikus. Mokyti juos melstis, demonstruotį dvasingą gyvenimą. Taip pat nepamiršti pačioms skaityti knygas apie auklėjimą, kad neužkirmytume 🤓

Autorė taip pat aprašo moters vaidmenį savuose namuose. “Queen of the house”, taip ji įvardina moterį besirupinančia savo namais. Kilmingiau skamba, nei kokia tarnaitė, tiesa? Man asmeniškai iškart norisi pasitempti ir paversti savo namus rūmais, kuriuose visi nori būti ir jaustis laukiamais. “Home is a hospital” kurių vyr. Gydytoja ir vyr. Slaugytoja yra namų karalienė 😉

Taip pat yra aptariamos Dievobaimingos
Moters savybės. Susivaldanti, organizuota, turinti aiškius prioritetus, išmintinga. Turinti aiškų savo stiprybės šaltinį- “Joy from the Lord is our Strenght”.

Tikrai gera knyga, kurią rekomenduočiau paskaityti kiekvienai moteriai😌

[Diana Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've got highlights all over this book. I love Elizabeth George's writing. She's not afraid to say what she believes and she bases her beliefs off Scripture. I felt this book was a little dated, but the concepts still apply. Her books always start a fire burning within me and she gives great examples on how to incorporate her teachings into daily life.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY REVIEW:

Have you ever sat down and read Titus 2:3-5 and then wondered what exactly does it all mean and how does it apply to your life?

Elizabeth George digs into that passage, and many more, in this book and not only explains the meaning but also how to apply it to your life in simple steps. A Woman's High Calling is part Bible study, part cozy chat with a dear friend, part how-to guide which brings to life the high calling of Titus 2. I love the easy flow of the book that is clear, focused, and above all, Biblical. The study guide in the back of the book helps you work through more Scripture passages to better understand and apply what you have learned.

This is the updated edition and I like how it has condensed the original two-part book and study guide to one book that flows better as well as being simpler to use. However, the one negative that I found was that it seemed to cut out some of the deeper digging passages found in the original study guide. That being said, it still presents a sound Biblical message in a format that is great for individual reading or a group study.

A Woman's High Calling is suitable for new believers and mature believers both young and old. It is a great overview of Biblical womanhood that will encourage and challenge single, married, or widowed women. I also think it would make a great study for a Mother/Daughter Bible study.


BOOK OVERVIEW:

Now updated with an exciting, practical study guide and a new cover—one of bestselling author Elizabeth George’s popular titles, with over 200,000 copies sold.


“Every woman would love to replace a life of survival with a life of meaningful accomplishment,” says Elizabeth. In A Woman’s High Calling, she helps readers to eliminate the clutter and chaos of everyday life and focus on the few things God considers truly essential. And they’re spelled out in Titus 2:3-5, where God shines the spotlight on…
-wisdom
-purity
-wholesome speech
-personal discipline
-love of husband
-goodness of heart
-love of children
-Christlike conduct
-ministry to other women
-love of home

There’s no higher calling for women than making God’s priorities their own. Readers will be eager to simplify their lives, adopt God’s essentials, and pass them on by mentoring other women. With the now-included study guide, they’ll realize immediate results.

* * * * *

This review copy was provided courtesy of Harvest House Publishers but the opinion expressed is my own and I was in no way compensated for my review.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like this book could've been one chapter in length -- be a good wife, mother, and homemaker; think godly thoughts, speak godly words, and do godly deeds. End of story.

I did not find this relatable at all for the single woman, the woman who work outside the home (often by necessity but sometimes by choice), or the divorced or widowed woman. Serving our husbands and our children is a high calling -- no dispute there. It just appears from this book that it is the woman's only calling and that she should strive to operate solely within that calling. I know so many gifted Christian women who are passionately serving God in the workplace, on the mission field, in non-profit work and more, and they are no doing so at a sacrifice to their "true" calling.

[Maam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a few years ago after reading Loving God with all Your Mind which was life changing for me, and in fact I'm reading it yet again right now. I did not like this one as much but don't remember why...maybe because I was comparing it to the other. Perhaps I'll read it again when I'm finished re-reading Loving God with All your Mind.

[Jill · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of Elizabeth George and have read many of her books. However, this will be the last one of hers I read.
She blamed Dinah from the Old Testament for getting raped. Wow, just wow. I closed it and will not read her books anymore.

[Sandy Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading while on a camping trip. I read the first half and can't wait to read more. Maybe I'll have to bring it to work and read it on my breaks.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information that will help you grow as a woman in the Lord. All of her books are excellent and worth the money to buy them for your personal library!

[Trace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore Elizabeth George's sweet style. She has a very sweet and charming way of holding women accountable to our Christian walk.

[Bethany Derflinger · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would not recommend this to anyone, especially new believers. The preface of the book is that Titus 2:3-5 has the 10 essentials for Godly living this is what she considers the "to-do or To-be list". Several of the words she emphasizes only show up in these verses and others she gives different meanings than any english translation in these passages as well as mis-applying some. She spends 2 chapter per "essential" which results in a lot of overkilling her points since several are very hard to support with scripture. The first essential godliness is spent entirely on describing behaviors and appearances that she considers reverent but deals minimally with the fact that godliness has to do with the heart and not appearances. In the chapters on slander/gossip she categorizes Martha with Jezebel and Potiphar's wife because, " She too, was guilty of maligning ... her Lord... Jesus she railed, 'Lord, Do you not care...?'" She also says to avoid gossip, you should limit conversations to 3 minutes and only call people as specific times when you know they will be too busy to have a longer conversation.
Chapters 5 and 6 deal with the phrase "not given to much wine" and creates the essential to be personal discipline. While yes this could be an application she almost entirely ignores that it is specifically referring to addiction to alcohol. Much of these chapters deal with weight loss and eating only when "appropriate" or what is "healthy". In chapter eight she says that she admired husband because, he would not allow her to serve at the church until she could take care of the home. Specifically "her husband thought that she ought to have a meal ready for him when he came home from work at night. In other words, she needed to first be and do what the Bible said she needed to be and do before she ministered to those that the church."
Chapters 13 and 14 deal with the beginning of verse 5 which is translated discreet or self-controlled in every English translation but says since it is the same word translated as wise elsewhere that is the word she is going to use here.
There are many more examples I could tell but I will finish with her chapters on purity. We are called to be pure which encompasses a lot. She uses it to almost exclusively discuss sexual purity. In these chapters I believe are some of what I would consider some of my biggest issues with the book. In chapter 15 she blames Dinah the daughter of Jacob for her being raped in Genesis 34. Because she "left the safety of her family quarters and ventured outside to take a look at the land and visit with the local women." Then in a paragraph that she quotes from another book that author states, "Had Dinah been content to remain a "keeper at home" (Titus 2:5), a terrible thing would have been averted." Then in the 2nd chapter on purity chapter 16 she uses David as an example of purity. She calls Psalm 101:1-4 his vow for a pure life. I believe that as scripture says, "David was a man after God's own heart" and that he repented of his sins and was forgiven, but if you are going to be talking about sexual purity and blame a woman for her rape it is not ok to use a man who committed adultery (very possibly rape) and murder as an example of someone who made a vow to purity without ever mentioning his own impure ways.

There are many other "little" issues with her applications of these verses in the book including a misunderstand of what is meant by the phrase "Keeper at home" but these were just some of the major red flags in this book. There were very few redeeming moments in this book and I really tried to find them, the few things said that were helpful are not enough for me to ever recommend anyone read this book.

[Yudit Henríquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encantó el libro.
Más que un libro, siento que es una guía básica para aprender a tener comunión con Dios. Sinceramente, no estaba tan acostumbrada a este tipo de material más “guía” que lectura, pero me sorprendió para bien.

Todo se resume en una idea muy cierta: sin oración no hay una comunión verdadera con Dios.
Va explicando temas básicos, ayudándote también a identificar los obstáculos que te impiden acercarte a Él. Te enseña disciplina, constancia y sinceridad.

Hubo partes que, en lo personal, me incomodaron y me costaron, porque te invita a reconocer el pecado y confesarlo delante de Dios. Pero también eso lo encontré muy valioso, porque te impulsa a esforzarte en la oración y en la búsqueda diaria de Dios.

Me ayudó a querer buscar más de Él, a pedirle ayuda, y a entender por qué es tan importante apartarse a solas para hablar con Dios: porque sólo ahí podemos ser completamente sinceros y sin máscaras.
El hábito de la oración se nutre en lo privado, día a día. Es un proceso que nunca termina, y reconozco que para mí es difícil, porque requiere compromiso. Incluso fue uno de los motivos que me animó a volver a congregarme.

No es una lectura fluida, porque no es una novela; es más bien un material de estudio. Pero es un material muy bonito, que sirve harto para tomar apuntes y volver a repasar. Además, algo que me gustó muchísimo es que se basa constantemente en versículos de la Biblia.

En resumen, es un libro de bendición.

[Saris Sarceño · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ha sido un libro que llego en un momento oportuno en mi vida, me ayudo a descubrir que es lo BÁSICO que Dios pide de una mujer piadosa, sabia y que edifica su hogar, un camino cuesta arriba pues no es fácil y en un principio lo vi como imposible pero con oración y amor a Dios todo se puede cumplir, invita a escudriñar la palabra de Dios buscar en la biblia las respuestas de Dios (que ahí están todos) fue un libro de revelación y si eres una ama de casa queda PERFECTO si eres una esposa y madre trabajadora pueda que no te identifiques tan fácil pero si es importante conocerlo pues en todo lo que hacemos podemos glorificar a nuestro Salvador si lo hacemos con amor y bondad en nuestro corazón

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another wonderful book by Elizabeth George that teaches women how they can serve and honor God in all areas of their life. The topics she covers include being a godly mother/wife, being a homemaker, watching what you say, and controlling your thoughts. Some areas may not be applicable to all readers, but can still be read through for informational or future purposes (the chapters on being a wife and mother, for example, don't apply to me at the moment). This is a great book that can remind readers of how to involve God in their everyday life.

[Erion Prometheus · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf'd due to the paganism interspersed throughout the book. On the surface it looks like a Christian book, but it is not. The author even mentions temple priestess on page 15. This is where I stopped and started skimming for other paganism. And discovered the author's deception.
Valentine doesn't have any place in a Christian book. The author is stuck on Titus 2:4.
I'm absolutely disgusted with book and the deceit. There is scripture; but a little leaven...

This book will be destroyed and thrown in the trash because that's what it is.

[Edith Burch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful to have read a book that encouraged me to be the best woman I can be in light of what Scripture directs. This is an in-depth study of Titus chapter 2 where Paul directs Titus to encourage the older women of the church to teach the younger woman how to be godly wives, mothers, homemakers and servants of the King of kings. Whether you are a young woman or an old woman, there is something for you to learn from this book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of anything Elizabeth George writes and this book is no exception. This is a wonderful study of Titus 2. I like that she addresses both how the younger woman and the older woman should apply these verses to their lives. Mrs. George is thorough, down-to-earth, and straight forward. All in all, a great book for all Christian women, married or not, older or younger.

[Jari Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the book is a bit dated, the information was still helpful. I have enjoyed Elizabeth George's books, so this one was not exempt. Being a Christian woman and having a template on my calling to be a Christian wife and mother is necessary and this book explains that.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times I found myself wishing the book were more detailed with application, but at the same time as a woman grows closer to God and prays for His direction, He may have specific outworkings that couldn't possibly all be covered in a book.

[Grace Antczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO good! This book was extremely helpful in teaching me what God commands of me, specifically in my role as a woman. Super encouraging and scripture-based. Easy to read and understand, with a lot of practical examples, both from the author’s personal life and from the Bible. Loved it.

[Nicckay Natson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for small women's group. Used it for my women's group. Great insight on helping the modern day women understand who she is and her high calling and place in society and with God.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book and I got alot out of it. I helped me with understanding my walk with Christ and role as a Christian woman, framed my perspective.

[E. Italia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente libro, lo recomiendo leer con anhelo y esmero, contiene mucha sabiduría

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this practical Titus 2 discipleship book. It felt like I was being discipled by a grandmother with so much biblical wisdom. Very practical reminders and convictions.

[Lianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is really nice! How do you become a Woman of God? We always say we wanna be like that. This book gives inspiration to walk daily with the Lord. What kind of ‘characterskills’ you need to follow Him.

Inspired by this book and gave me more desire to spend more time with the Lord.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is nice inspirational reading with a lot of good ideas. The reminders and "call" she makes to women to live better are well-made. I only got to chapter five before deciding to return my inter-library-loaned copy early. It's the sort of book that works best for me to read just a chapter a day and perhaps more on Sunday. I knew I wouldn't get through it in the time allotted me.

She includes thoughts, scriptures, and poems in boxes throughout. I liked this one titled "You Tell On Yourself".
You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,
By the very manner in which you speak,
By the way you employ your leisure time,
By the use you make of dollar and dime.

You tell what you are by the things you wear,
By the spirit in which you burdens bear,
By the kind of things at which you laugh,
By the records you play on the phonograph.

You tell what you are by the way you walk,
By the things of which you delight to talk,
By the manner in which you bear defeat,
By so simple a thing as how you eat.

By the books you choose from the well-filled shelf:
In these ways and more, you tell on yourself.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE Elizabeth George's books! I would have given this 5 stars if her other book, "A Woman After God's Own Heart," weren't already one of my favorites (that I reread often) and which seems pretty similar to this one. Still, there were some terrific, thought-provoking, new points made and quotes shared. George is a wonderful mentor for women of faith. I wish she lived next door! :)