Devotion: What Type of Godly Women Are You?
Personality quizzes identifying us as a Hairspray character, or a resident of a certain state are very popular online distractions. I see my friends’ results on Facebook daily. Yes, they are fun and entertaining and sometimes even enlightening.
In thinking about these quizzes, I did a search for “what type of Godly woman are you” and variations on that theme. God has already given us the checklist for how to define the Godly or Virtuous or Noble Woman in Proverbs 31.
Proverbs 31 identifies the qualities present in a “wife of noble character” or the “virtuous woman.” Or as those in modern times may call her, “the total package.” The picture of the perfect woman possesses 10 key virtues. This ideal woman may seem unattainable, or even old-fashioned and idealistic. And fulfilling each area every day seems daunting. However, in reaching for God’s perfect woman, we come closer to him. We understand better his picture of us in creation.
The Godly Woman is one who, most assuredly, puts God first. She trusts and loves and grows more through God’s love. In doing so, she shares this love with all of those with whom she comes in contact. The Proverbs 31 woman is a beautiful example of God’s hope and belief in all that we are and can be.
Ten Key Virtues of a Proverbs 31 Woman
(adapted from Melissa Ringstaff, on her blog “A Virtuous Woman“).
1. Faith – serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul.
2. Marriage – trustworthy and a helpmate.
3. Mothering – nurtures all children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go.
4. Health – cares for her body and prepares healthy food for her family.
5. Service – serves with a gentle and loving spirit.
6. Finances – makes purchases and spends money wisely.
7. Industry – works willingly with her hands and does not grumble while completing her tasks.
8. Homemaking – creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her.
9. Time – works diligently to complete her daily tasks, not dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord.
10. Beauty – has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ to use her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones.
Prayer:
Dear God, please guide me to becoming a noble woman worthy of rubies and diamonds. I pray that in showing others my love through acts of service, kindness and love, that I will be a woman of virtue and noble character worthy of your most high love and distinction. In your name, Amen.
This devotion was written by Melissa Abele one of Sheridan’s Women’s Ministry Team members, as a way to bring encouragement to the hearts and minds of our sisters in Christ to KNOW, LOVE and SERVE God.