This isn't going to be a feel good post. I'm not here to butter up things, rather, I'm here to give you the Biblical perspective on womanhood. This is tough to write and even tougher to live... I'll just state that a lot of the things I'm going to be dealing with (in this post and others) are things that I struggle to be/overcome in my life.
I am not going to post rules, regulations, or even guidelines for you to follow. Rather I want you to focus on your "Be" Level ~ who you are, what you find, in Christ. I want you to do these things (modesty, kindness, charity, meekness, etc.)
because you
love your God. If you can get a hold of this one concept, it will
revolutionize your life.
Now that we've covered that, let's get to the heart of the matter. Before we begin on anything else, there is on prevalent question that MUST be asked:
Would you be content if you remained single for the rest of your life?
Or would you be upset?
Let's be honest. Our calling in life - whether at an away-from-home job or as a stay-at-home maker - begs for a companion. But have you become so consumed with the idea of a life mate that you're completely missing the point of life? 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.“ Our life is to revolve around worshiping, serving, honoring Christ.
At this point you may be asking, "So what are you saying?!? That marriage is bad? To want to be a mother wrong?" No, I'm not saying any of this. What I am saying is that the sole goal of a husband, a home, and children is not Biblical.
Marriage is not your highest calling!
The best way I have heard it put is by a girl named Joanna Lynn,
But here’s a surprise. Tempted as I might be to say that singleness is the most defining factor in my life right now, I would have to admit that, no, it is not. Being single is not who I am. If I were married, my marriage would not be who I am. Even just the fact that I am a woman doesn’t define my life and shape my days. The most important detail of my whole life is that I am a child of God. Wherever I go, whatever the color of my skin happens to be, however lonely I feel, however stereotyped and boxed-in other people choose to see me, I am a Christian, bought with the priceless gift of Jesus blood, and THAT is defining, if anything is. That means, I am not my own. I am called to serve the Lord, with all of my talents, all of my being, all of my desires and wishes. I am called to throw myself into the front-lines of spiritual battle, praying when I can do nothing else, working when and where that is possible, pouring my life out for the One who bought me. I am a girl, yes, but I am also a soldier. I am single, and financially limited, but I am also Christ’s witness and a bearer of precious tidings. My life right now should be pretty much like my married life will one day be: a life with Christ as it’s focus, it’s aim, it’s glory. In that respect, my physical conditions on earth do not alter who I am, and what I am called to do. Granted, a married woman definitely has a different field of service than a single woman does, especially if she is a mother as well, but if you see what I mean, her ultimate goal and desire should remain unchanged.
It is emotionally painful to be single! We were not created to be solitary creatures (just look at Genesis 2:18 where God created Adam a companion) but rather to function in a partnership. Need an example? Check out 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 where Paul speaks of unity in the Body of Christ. Isn't it interesting that this unity chapter leads into arguably the most famous Bible chapter (hint: it's about love)?
Single-Minded
We're getting off course. Around my school there is a phrase often quoted, "You'll be more of tomorrow what you are today." Whatever you are practicing today is what you will be living tomorrow. What are you practicing?
Preparing to be a help-meet means so much more than just learning how to do dishes, how to rear children, or how to cook. The Hebrew word,עזר ('ezer), is the idea of aid. A help-meet's sole purpose in life is to aid her husband - who's job is to lead his family in worship. Let me repeat/clarify that: The sole purpose of a wife is to aid her husband in God's glorification.
Wait! This mean that our purpose as a married woman is the same as a single female!!! What a revolutionary idea!
"Be More of Tomorrow"
Disney has ruined us. From a young age we are taught to wait in our ivory tower because "One day my prince will come!". This mentality is so rare (I believe non-existent) in the Scripture. Rebecca, Esther, Mary, Ruth, Deborah... you name her, she wasn't waiting for her prince. She was serving God right where she was.
Are you content to serve Christ as a single? Will you just wait to serve Him until you're married? How do you expect to be more of tomorrow if you aren't doing today? Instead of spending your time pining for your prince, use it to Glorify God. He'll bring along some on so much better than Mr. Charming. "...that in
all things he [Christ] might have the preeminence." (Col 1:18)
Lady Weaver is a part-time student, full-time single. Soft spots include food, cultural oddities, good books, excellent music, and all things Asian. She is currently studying for God's call on her life - Foreign Missions. Often she struggles but knows that God is in ultimate control. Daily she lives to serve and worship Him. In the back of her mind she wonders if she'll find Mr. Right... but knows that God has plans and lessons for her at the moment (mainly in learning to keep her big mouth shut and listen). The Lady keeps up with school, church, ministry, work, and two blogs Filia Pacem and Wanderlust Requiem.
