It was around the 1980s when I started to hear about what is now referred to as autonomous or driverless vehicles. I thought the idea was too futuristic to even warrant a serious discussion. But here we are, some thirty years later, and semi-autonomous cars are actually on the road. Nearly all cars will have some form of self-driving features by 2020, and it just seems unreal that this was a fantasy that we saw in movies 40 years ago. Hardly any of us could fathom it becoming a part of our realities. Things are changing and advancing at rapid speeds, we can’t argue that. It does make you wonder though, are we becoming the sons and daughters that God desires us to be at the same rate?
This is an awesomely important question, because so many of us in the Christian community are doing and have done exactly what Romans 12:2 commands us not to do; we are becoming conformed to the world and not transformed by the renewing of our minds to God’s Word. We are following the world’s agenda, and one of the dangers in this is that society isn’t interested in the things of God; they don’t care about His agenda 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NLT) warns us, “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?”
The world is not prepared for the speed in which it is trying to travel, because it is not traveling at the speed of love, but as God’s daughters, we cannot allow this to be said of us. Our destiny in Christ is spectacular, and the way to continue traveling at God’s speed is to live by the standard of His Word. As God’s chosen ones, our heart should be to do things right, to do them His way.
As God’s daughters, we will do well to remember that in many respects, the things that please our Heavenly Father are not the same as those that excite the world. He’s pleased when we share with others and work heartily in all that we do, as it says in Colossians 3:23. In the world, it’s every person for themselves. God is pleased when we delight in Him and give Him the glory He so richly deserves. John 12:43 tells us that the world loves the glory that comes from man more than it does the glory that comes from God.
Right now, many people are very excited about royal weddings, who will be attending, and who will be wearing what. In God’s eyes, His righteous ones are royalty. He tells us in 1 Peter 2:5 (NLT), “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.”
A virtuous woman is a woman who’s made pleasing God her first priority. Society doesn’t value the priceless treasure of a ‘Proverbs 31:10 virtuous woman’, but God has made sure we know that it is a Godly standard of womanhood; therefore, it is one we should all aspire to meet. He didn’t set the bar low. He set it high, so that we would recognize how brilliant He’s made us; so that we would know how highly He thinks of us and what we can achieve. He has set a benchmark for us of the highest standard of womanhood achievable, and because of His Son, Jesus Christ, we can rise to it with His grace.
Proverbs 31:11-12(NLT), tells us, “1 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” The ‘Proverbs 31:10 virtuous woman’ is a hard worker. She is ingenious, resourceful, and extends a helping hand to the poor. She carefully watches everything in her household, makes sure her children are well-cared for, and she isn’t lazy. Proverbs 31:28 (NLT) tells us, “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her.” These are not just words. This is God-breathed! It is His instruction pertaining to a Godly woman, one that is determined to walk in the fullness of His grace.
The world is changing, but God doesn’t change. He tells us in Numbers 23:19 (NLT), “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” He has promised that if we are the standard bearers of an uncompromising standard of womanhood, He will bless us, our children, our husbands, and all that we put our hands to. Through Christ, we wear a crown of Godliness. It is one of remarkable treasure, and we must never forget it. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
“Uncompromising Womanhood” written by Reverend Fran Mack, edited by Kim Times for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2018. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.