You make it beautiful

thesweetermelody:

One thing I have been noticing on Tumblr as of late is the amount of young single women who profess that they want to be shaped into a Proverbs 31 lady. I applaud such an admirable hope. It is mine too.

But upon further investigation into my own life, I did have to question, “What are we doing about it? What are we doing to ensure we actually become a lady of prized value, worth far beyond rubies? Are we actually preparing ourselves?” We read in James that faith without works is dead. It is absolutely pointless proclaiming something if you are not going to live it out.

Paul Washer said, “When a young person begins to awaken to the opposite sex, it is not the season to pursue, it is the season to prepare.”

So it’s time to get practical.

Proverbs 31: How we might apply it as single women.

10: Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies!

We know what this is basically saying. But do we actually grasp it? Virtuous in the ancient Greek basically means strength, strong. To put this into context, strength in the Lord is worth far more than earthly treasures.

12: She will do [her husband] good and not evil all the days of her life.

All. There’s that word. All. Every single one of her days, even before Prince Charming strides into our lives. Are we guarding our hearts? Are we guarding our minds? Are we dabbling in a bit of “harmless” lust, or drooling over a shirtless Ryan Reynolds? Are we actually preparing ourselves, instead of sitting on the couch watching midday soapies? Begin preparing. Stop procrastinating. Bringing him good starts in the years leading up to marriage, even the years before you’ve even met your future husband.

13: She seeks wool, and flax, and works diligently with her hands.

The colour of wool is compared to purity (Isaiah 1:18). The virtuous woman seeks utmost purity. She will protect sacredness and innocence with the Sword of the Spirit. This verse also talks about practicality; investing in new skills, whether they be for marriage or a life of celibacy.

15: She rises also while it is yet night, gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

Early will I seek You, were the words of the great Psalmist. Pushing ourselves out of the flesh, and dying to self is a must if we want to meet with our Maker. Starting the day with spiritual nourishment is essential, not only for ourselves, but for other young women alike (the maidens). When we ignore the call of Christ in the mornings, I have found that the days run with many distractions, trials, and worry seizes the thought life. We are no good to anyone if we are fixed upon selfish worries.

16: She considers a field, and buys it. With fruits of her hands, she plants a vineyard.

Getting practical, ladies, learn to keep a budget. Take a few courses at community college, or ask your parents. These skills will so benefit you within running your own household, either with a family, or by yourself.
Getting spiritual, in the New Covenant, there is constant mentioning of the Fruits of Righteousness. The Gospel has been planted into the soil, and we now bring forth the fruits. Abound in them, dear sisters. How are we to produce a plentiful harvest of righteousness? By clinging to the Word, and being consistent in prayer.

17: She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms.

Where have we heard this phrase before, “gird [our] loins”? Why, in Ephesians 6, of course, regarding putting on the spiritual armour of God. Girding our loins means to fasten our belts about our waists. Paul writes that we must fasten the belt of truth around our waists. And this is where we will receive our strength; from Truth, from the scriptures.

18: She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night.

Matthew 25, the parable of the Ten Virgins. Be as the wise virgins who were prepared and had their lanterns lit for their Bridegroom. Be a young woman who is prepared to meet her bridegroom. Do not cry in remorse, “How I wish I had used my single years more wisely!” Be ready. Not only for the possibility of he, but the confirmation of He; His return.

20: She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

Proverbs is filled with how we should not neglect the poor. Girls, to stoop down to those lower than us is to know love. Break away from the snobbish attitude that illuminates the Christian community, and reach out to embrace the poor. It could be anything from voluntary work at a soup kitchen, to orphan advocacy, or even just sitting with the homeless, and listening to their stories. Witness Jesus. If you’re looking at where to start, contact Advocate127.

21: She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

In Biblical times, scarlet was the colour of absolute royalty. It was a dignified colour. So we must take steps to clothe ourselves, and those around us in nobility, and respect.

22: She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is of silk and purple.

In this world of wickedness, it seems hardly worth investing in sewing skills, and making clothes. However, learning simple mending techniques never go to waste. Learn to sew on a button, hem, unpick, and hand stitch.

23: Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

We may not have husbands, but we can put this into action even now; simply by uplifting others around us, particularly our brothers in Christ. Encourage them. Build them up. Don’t flatter, or flirt. Be honest. Commend chivalry. I know that this world has coughed up the image of radical feminism, and how all men are idiots. Don’t bite into this poison. This is not Biblical.

I find a very powerful tool is not only building our brothers up in their presence, but also building them up in their absence. Do not gossip, bicker, or complain about a young man of God. Do not put him down in the company of friends. Walls have ears, and word will get back to him, either through deed or in word. Speak only things that would uplift another.

25: Strength and honour are her clothing and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Leslie Ludy did a wonderful article upon this topic. Fear is running rampant in our culture. Yet another thing that contradicts the scriptures. Do not worry about the future, or tomorrow. Do not dwell upon the “what if’s”, over thinking things in the process. Surrender these to the Lord as a sacrifice. Rejoice in the moment, the day that the Lord has given you. Laugh at the times to come.

26: She opens her mouth with wisdom and her tongue is the law of kindness.

Another aspect of Proverbs that Solomon scatters throughout them is how to gain wisdom and godly knowledge. The key is to fear the Lord. Realise that He is so powerful, and so sovereign. Bask in His character, and goodness.
My mother used to say, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it,” and whilst there is a time for gentle refuting, our tongues should only talk about things worthy of praise. Lovely things.

27: She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.

This is a huge topic, and one that also burns in our society. Ladies, as much as procrastination and slothfulness may seem harmless, these are setting you up into habitual routines. Charles Spurgeon simply says, “One of these days you may be unable to get rid of those habits which you are now forming. At first, the net of habit is made of cobweb; you can soon break it through. By-and-by it is made of twine; soon it will be made of rope; and last of all it will be strong as steel, and then you will be fatally ensnared.” Be not disillusioned. Procrastination is a habit. Do not be idle.

28-29: Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.

I’m not going to be arrogant, and say, “Do all of these and you’ll get praise and your future husband’s applaud!” But these are just some simply ways to prepare. Even if the Lord calls you to a life of abstinence, and singleness, being a virtuous, strong woman is something that can be admired in whatever season of life you are in.

Finally, do not let this become your focus or goal. Do not let the thought of preparation for a future husband consume you. Set your eyes upon Christ. He is the only One Who can ensure a heart change, and fashion you into the likeness of Himself.

(via thesweetermelody-deactivated201)