The problem of humanity is that which we want, we don’t know how to obtain it; and we don’t know what it takes to get what we want, and when we find out what it takes, we don’t want what it takes. We want victory without the distance. We want the strength without the discipline. We want the win without the race. We want the crown without the cost.
WHAT DO WOMEN WANT??? Women like to be praised. Yet today they are often repulsed and repelled by that which is praiseworthy. It amazes me how some women today will revel in not being able to cook, clean, or boast about not submitting to her husband, yet a woman wants to be praised as a mother and a wife.
Ironically, it seems that a woman virtually cannot live without a man and/or a woman who cannot have children often feels incomplete as a woman. This is not a negative thing as feminism has tried to frame it; rather, it is by design. A woman was created to be a wife and a mother; she is designed to be a wife and a mother. Therefore her greatest reward is found in being a submissive wife and a consummate mother. Whatever psychology you hold about the functionality of life that is acceptable, logical, rational, and in concert with the world is contrary to God. Only functioning as you've been created and designed to function will bring you the greatest fulfillment and satisfaction. The praise a woman desires is wrapped up in the packaging of wifeliness and motherhood.
First, the virtuous woman is praised by her matured children. That is, they have now become adults and what she has helped them to become: disciplined, prudent, honorable, ethical, and skilled, speaks well of her as a mother. The proverbist writes, "...he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him ...and she that bare thee shall rejoice." (Prov 23:24 & 25.) This is the reward of all of the long hard years of diligence and a wonderful fulfillment that can only be experience when it is done.
Secondly, she is praised by her husband. While this no doubt is inclusive direct tribute expressed by her husband, its primary meaning refers to her contribution to his life: his name, his home, his accomplishments would all be impossible without her. Yet she does not rave or boast in this fact, but she simply knows her contribution and rejoices in the fruit of her labor with a quiet spirit and the existential reward of fulfillment.
Thirdly, she is praised by other women. Another important area of reward is found amongst her peers. Just as men find tremendous nobility in excelling among other men, so does women find honor in excelling among women. “Excelling” is a term that indicates not vain-glory, but the ability to provide leadership to other women. Rest assured there is no virtue that does not result in mentoring others.
Fourthly, she is praised because she fears the LORD. Her virtuous life is a result of knowing her created purpose and how she has been fashioned by God to carry it out. She is a continue worshipper, not a fanatical cultural Christian, full of popular religious rhetoric, but frequently and subtly speaking of God as her guide, strength, and her master. This is what gets her through everyday and gets her to the wonderful rewards of life.
Fifthly and finally she is praised by her own works in the gates. It is one thing for your family to speak well of you or your peers to speak well of you; however, the virtuous woman is praised by the chief authorities of the community. Not because she has sought such, but because she sought to please God by submitting to and honoring her husband, diligently rearing her children, and teaching other women her ways. Thus her “homework” has ascended as a sweet smelling savor and rendered her praiseworthy, winning her the praise of all.
Showing posts with label Proverb 31. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Proverb 31. Show all posts
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
THE VIRTUEOUS WOMAN Pt II: Her Vigilance (Prov. 31:16-22)
This passage has been aptly deemed by classical Christianity, “The Virtuous Woman” or “A Good Woman.” And I’ve heard women who solicit accolades from others, wanting them to declare her as a good mother or a wonderful wife. Yet she fails at the motherly purpose and she lacks the magic of a wife full of wonder.
A good woman makes a house feel homely, she makes groceries into savory meals, she makes a husband and children feel like family. She keeps the whole thing together and running smoothly. She does not highlight family flaws, she covers them. She does not make wounds, she heals them. She makes boo-boos feel better with a kiss.
This woman has been taught what is right and good and how to function in a way that will prosper and benefit her life. Somebody once asked me a riddle, “What woman in the bible ate herself out of house and home?” The answer is Eve… because she functioned in chaos and disorder… but not the virtuous woman. This woman has zeroed in on what is important.
The fact of the matter is nothing can be good if there is not first a defined purpose and secondly a pursuit of that defined purpose.
Let’s look at her vigilance: First, she is “prudent,” a wise business woman, not at all a homemaker by the world's inferior perception and conception. Home is primary but not preventative in excelling outside of the home. She recognizes that the things which are good for her family are good for others as well. Secondly, she is “reserved.” She does not spend her strength foolishly. She reserves herself for her family and that which is beneficial to them. Thirdly she is “thorough.” She does not do things half heartedly or carelessly. She is concerned that whatever she provides to people are of the highest quality. Fourthly, she is “productive.” She is skilled and able to create goods. Fifthly, she is “charitable.” She’s kind and giving. Every child is treated as her child. She is utterly hospitable. She embraces the pains of others as problems for her attention. She is “protective. “ She gives diligence to the safety and well-being of her family. Finally she is “elegant.” She loves finery. She is no personal slouch. Her hair and her wear is always together.
Simply put the virtuous woman functions at optimal capacity, motivated by love for God, love for family and love for being a mother and wife in keeping with her design.
A good woman makes a house feel homely, she makes groceries into savory meals, she makes a husband and children feel like family. She keeps the whole thing together and running smoothly. She does not highlight family flaws, she covers them. She does not make wounds, she heals them. She makes boo-boos feel better with a kiss.
This woman has been taught what is right and good and how to function in a way that will prosper and benefit her life. Somebody once asked me a riddle, “What woman in the bible ate herself out of house and home?” The answer is Eve… because she functioned in chaos and disorder… but not the virtuous woman. This woman has zeroed in on what is important.
The fact of the matter is nothing can be good if there is not first a defined purpose and secondly a pursuit of that defined purpose.
Let’s look at her vigilance: First, she is “prudent,” a wise business woman, not at all a homemaker by the world's inferior perception and conception. Home is primary but not preventative in excelling outside of the home. She recognizes that the things which are good for her family are good for others as well. Secondly, she is “reserved.” She does not spend her strength foolishly. She reserves herself for her family and that which is beneficial to them. Thirdly she is “thorough.” She does not do things half heartedly or carelessly. She is concerned that whatever she provides to people are of the highest quality. Fourthly, she is “productive.” She is skilled and able to create goods. Fifthly, she is “charitable.” She’s kind and giving. Every child is treated as her child. She is utterly hospitable. She embraces the pains of others as problems for her attention. She is “protective. “ She gives diligence to the safety and well-being of her family. Finally she is “elegant.” She loves finery. She is no personal slouch. Her hair and her wear is always together.
Simply put the virtuous woman functions at optimal capacity, motivated by love for God, love for family and love for being a mother and wife in keeping with her design.
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