EPISODE 74: BE WHAT YOU ARE
A MESSAGE FROM SARA:
When Monica and I first started to talk about this series, we wanted to make sure that we tackled all the intricacies of being a woman and how they play into our identity. So easily we get caught up in the rolls that we play that we forget about little things that make us well…us! And before we know it we have forgotten who we even are.
I cannot lie, Monica came up with the idea for the weekly themes (the creative oneJ), but I had to stew over it for a second to figure out the difference between the “who” we are the “what” we are. And then I began to see it a little more clearly. Who we are is more about our identity in Christ, our relationship in Christ. What we are is more of our reflection of Christ or the adjectives one would use to describe ourselves.
In my early 30’s, I really struggled with my “what.” So much so that one day I was standing in the mirror and literally said to myself,
“How are you? What have you become and where did you go?”
Can you relate? But can I also be honest with you and admit that my “what” was not very pretty. As the Lord began to peel the layers of blinders off my eyes and lies that had been heaped into my heart by the whispers of Satan, I began to realize that I did not reflect the image of Christ well. Sure, I knew my “who”…fearfully and wonderfully made, with purpose, a woman in His image and so on. But the description of my soul…of my “what” was ugly and essentially the source of my unhappiness.
Okay, here is a description of where I was: critical (I mean painstaking, judgmental, fundamentalist critical), defensive, self-loathing, arrogant, unhappy, joyless, emotional and so forth. I mean, come on, who would be a very happy person if that’s how you would describe yourself?? That’s when I began to really ponder the idea of living out the image of Christ. Instead of getting caught up in the how not live I needed to embrace the how to live (I mean for crying out loud, the Bible is a blue print for this and I’m just figuring this out? Hit me with a 2×4 please!).
And so began my journey to try not to just know “who” I was in Christ but “what” I was in Christ. It’s like the fruits of the spirit meets agape love meets the beatitudes. But if you study the lives and stories of some of the most amazing women in Scripture, you will see that their “what” totally demonstrated the image of God and set their hearts to freedom even if they weren’t free from difficulties, despair, or danger.
BE IN THE WORD (this week’s verses):
Description of the Valiant Woman in Proverbs 31:
- Diligent (31:13)
- Able (31:16)
- Trustworthy (31:11)
- Valued (31:10)
- Strong (31:10)
- Dignity (31:28)
- Discerning (31:26)
- Prepared (31:27)
- Helps the needy (31:20)
- Kind to others (31:26)
- Engages in conversation
- Good to her husband (31:12)
- Her work is not all-consuming
- God fearing (the source of her wisdom)
BE DOERS, NOT JUST HEARERS (practical application):
- Read Proverbs 31 and make a list of the qualities you see displayed by the valiant woman.
- Make a list of your personal qualities. You can do this alone or enlist the help of someone close to you.
- How far is the gap between you and the valiant woman? Commit to prayer your attitude about where you are and how it might be affecting your character.
BE EDUCATED (additional resources):
- Three Things You Might Not Know About Proverbs 31. This is the blog I referenced to regarding the Proverbs 31 woman.
- Theology of Work. The Theology of Work (TOW) Project exists to help people explore what the Bible and the Christian faith can contribute to ordinary work. The Christian scriptures have much to say about work, although we may not be aware of it.”
- A Woman’s Gotta Do What a Woman’s Gotta Do: Wisdom for Taking Control of Your Life by Michelle McKinney Hammond. Personable and sassy, Michelle McKinney Hammond invites women on a lively journey through the wisdom of Proverbs 31. Readers will discover practical insights and godly advice based on biblical truths and real-life experiences. Packed with interactive checklists and intriguing questions, A Woman’s Gotta Do What a Woman’s Gotta Do gives readers opportunities to explore who they are, where they’re going, and who they’re influencing: Do you react first and think later? When it comes to family and friends, how faithful are you? How discerning are you about when to speak and when to be silent? Are you someone people approach for godly advice? When you give opinions and advice, what are they based on? Michelle’s candor and enthusiasm offer women encouragement and help for making godly decisions and living dynamically for Christ every day.