Nov 16, 2012

Feminine Friday: She Fears The Lord

 
Welcome to the eleventh and final segment of the Feminine Behaviors series! This series has been a weekly focus on eleven feminine behaviors I pulled from the account in Proverbs of the virtuous woman. I hope you've enjoyed this series as much as I have!

As a homemaker, there are so many different job responsibilities that fall under our care.

To name a few:
  • 1 Timothy 2:9 - Dress modestly.
  • Proverbs 31:15 - Provide food for her family.
  • Titus 2:5 - Be kind.
  • 1 Timothy 3:11 - Trustworthy in everything.
  • Proverbs 31:26 - Speak with wisdom.
  • 1 Peter 3:1 - Submit to your own husband.
  • 1 Timothy 5:14 - Manage your home.

Another aspect of the homemaker is the emotional and spiritual guidance that she offers to her children and the emotional and spiritual support that she offers to her husband. She isn't responsible for spiritually leading the family but she may guide her children in spiritual matters through schooling, devotions, music, discussion, or prayer. One of the most important aspects of guiding your children in life is through example. Children often learn more from what they see us doing than from what we tell them to do.

Our verse today is Proverbs 31:30 (KJV):
 
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman
that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

A woman that feareth the Lord. What does it mean to fear the Lord?

The word feareth in Hebrew means 1) fearing, reverent, afraid Source

To fear: 4) reverential awe Source
To be reverent (reverence): 1) a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe Source
To be afraid: 1) feeling fear Source

A woman that fears the Lord will be making it her utmost priority to exemplify the Lord's ways in her life whether she is a married woman or not. It will be obvious to those around her that she does fear the Lord. Her spiritual responsibility to her children and husband begins with her life displaying her fear of the Lord. Indeed, in 1 Peter 3 we are told that by her example alone (without a word) she could win over her husband to the gospel. A homemaker's Christ-like example is powerful and a big responsibility. It begins with her fearing the Lord. Her instruction and guidance to her children thereafter will be reinforced by her example.

I believe the Proverbs 31 account of the virtuous woman concludes with this final feminine behavior because it is the foundation for which we can hope to accomplish all other behaviors. If we first and foremost fear the Lord in our hearts and actions, it will pave the way for obedience to His calling for us as women.

Remember, whether the Proverbs 31 woman was a real life woman or an example of the ideal godly woman doesn't matter, what matters is that we strive in our own lives to fear the Lord. As we seek Him with a reverent heart, He will give us the strength to be trustworthy, helpful and attentive to our husband's needs, willing to work hard, resourceful, self-sacrificing, wise about spending money, hospitable, wise about the future, able to speak with kindness, and to have a heart for homemaking.

How lovely it would be to be valued above rubies! The writer of the Proverbs 31 account brings his story to a close with a statement that resonates with motivation, "give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." (Proverbs 31:31 KJV)

What Feminine Behavior from Proverbs 31 do you feel you are most accomplished at? Which one do you feel needs the most work? Let's strive to work together to pray for each other and support each other in our homemaking journeys so we can receive the fruit of our hands.
♥Shari
 
 
For more on this series: Feminine Behaviors - 1) She Is Trustworthy, 2) Helpful and Attentive, 3) She Willingly Works Hard, 4) She Is Resourceful, 5) She Is Self-Sacrificing, 6) She Spends Wisely, 7) Generous and Hospitable, 8) She Anticipates and Prepare, 9) She Speaks with Wisdom and Kindness, and 10) She Concerns Herself With Domestic Affairs.

Linked-up here:
Creative Christian Mama: Weekend Whatever Link-up
The Modest Mom: Link Up
Growing Home: Teach Me Tuesday Homemaking Link-Up
Raising Homemakers: Homemaking Link-Up
Deep Roots At Home: Encourage One Another Link-Up




3 comments:

  1. I've LOVED this series!! You always encourage me in my daily walk at home and I truly appreciate it. When I was reminded by " Children often learn more from what they see us doing than from what we tell them to do." it really struck a cord for me to be mindful. Thank you for your usual awesome encouragement!!!

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    1. Thanks Kelly! I'm so thankful to have been able to encourage at least one other mom!

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  2. You have encouraged me as well, and I know others have read your words and that the Lord is at work. The Word of god doesn't return void! Thank you for sharing at Deep Roots At Home Wednesday. Blessings to you and your family, young friend.

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