It’s Mother’s Day, and the pastor announces the Scripture topic for his sermon:The Incredible Search . . . The Quest for Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God Begins in Your Home. Inwardly you groan. Oh, great. I am going to leave today’s service on another guilt trip rather than encouraged and edified. Perhaps I can plan my week’s menus or work on my Bible study while appearing to look interested.
He begins his sermon by stating that Proverbs 31:10-31 introduces a woman whose lifestyle, values, and character align with the Word of God. This timeless passage paints a word portrait of a woman whose life twenty-first-century Christian women are challenged to emulate. He states that the immutability (changelessness) of God is in question if women do not believe that Proverbs 31:10-31 is not relevant them.
He then suggests that the description of the godly woman of Proverbs 31:10-31 is not designed to give women an inferiority complex. Your mind begins to form the thought, easy for you to say. Men don’t have twenty-one consecutive verses that make them feel inadequate. But then his next words draw you back to his line of reasoning. The passage provides a biblical foundation for the creation of principles by which the woman who desires to be considered a woman who pleases God prioritizes her life.
The Incredible Search Unwrapped
Eleven principles inspire the woman seeking to please God. She is virtuous, trustworthy, energetic, physically fit, economical, unselfish, honorable, lovable, prepared, and God-fearing. But you’ve heard all this before. And you never seem to measure up. That’s why you try to “zone out” on the pastor’s sermon. But several words from the pulpit catch your attention.
Your pastor asks you to take a moment to reflect on the character of the godly woman.
She is . . .
Virtuous (31:10) is an inner quality that instinctively demands respect.
Trustworthy (31:11-12) is the ability to keep another’s confidence.
Energetic (31:13-16, 19, 24, 27) suggests that a godly woman is a worker and not a shirker (Proverbs 10:4).
Physically Fit (31:17) is a reminder that to perform one’s duties efficiently she must be healthy.
Unselfish (31:18) is displayed in her willingness to share her most valuable asset—her time—with others.
Honorable (31:25) is reflected in her choice to “stay away from every form of evil”
(1 Thessalonians 5:22).
Lovable (31:28-29) is manifested in the consistency of her lifestyle. She enjoys relationships that have depth because she seeks to sharpen her friends spiritually and intellectually (Proverbs 27:17). She chooses to live a consistent life as a wife and mother.
Prepared (31:21-22) allows a godly woman to cope face unforeseen circumstances with confidence (Philippians 4:13).
Prudent (31:26) implies that a godly woman is careful of the consequences; that is, she is cautious.
God-fearing (31:30) suggests that her actions and lifestyle consistently reflect that she stands in awe of her Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and loves Him with all her heart (Matthew 22:37).
Proverbs 31:31 describes the reward of cultivating these eleven principles. It tells us that a godly woman receives her rewards “in the gates,” (Proverbs 31:23) which refers to the public assembly of people. She is often rewarded in this life and always in the hereafter (1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 4:1-51; 1 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12). The practical application of the godly lifestyle will include an individual hunger and thirst after God (Psalm 42:1-2), an attitude of submission to God’s will and ways (James 4:7), and a consistent evaluation of her spiritual status (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).
Your pastor then phrases the question, “Would you like some practical suggestions to make these eleven principles a part of your life?” Your heart soars as you realize you are being provided with tangible techniques to become a woman who pleases God. Grabbing your pen and bulletin you write as rapidly as you can to capture his thoughts:
Daily build your spiritual stamina. Then when turbulent times occur you can approach them with peace and confidence rather than fear or anxiety (Psalm 119:11).
Choose to adorn yourself with the garment of humility; its flowing design allows you the freedom to graciously serve others (1 Peter 5:5-6).
Intentionally give your cares and concerns to your heavenly Father. He alone is adequate to remedy them (Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:8).
Select your words carefully. You will never be remorseful for those things that you did not say (Proverbs 31:26).
Consistently show love to others—even when you do not feel like it. Remember that love is never rude (1 Corinthians 13:5).
Be countercultural! Twenty-first-century society urges women to be assertive and stand up for their rights. Keep focused on the truth that becoming a woman who pleases God is a sign of strength rather than weakness (1 Peter 2:18-25).
Enjoy every day of your life. Women who please God are peaceful, serene, and have an abundant life (John 10:10).
Believe that through our Lord’s strength you can become a woman who pleases God (Philippians 4:13).
He then asks a final question, “Are you willing to begin the quest within the walls of your home?” You bow your head and consider the implications of his message. You know your response to this question determines whether or not you truly desire to be a woman who pleases God.
The sermon is over. The recessional begins. The menus and Bible study are forgotten. You leave the church encouraged and edified.
Visit The Everyday Homemaker next week as we search the Homemaker’s Heart in terms of her Spiritual Gifts.
Blessings on your week as you focus on making your house a home!