Cindy Rushton’s Mommy Homework– Your Assignment This Week…
So, is it possible? How are YOU reaching for this call? What does it look like in your life? PS–Let’s get real with each other about how we are reaching for godly womanhood–TODAY.
Note from Belinda: This assignment ties in very nicely with my current study of Prov 31 so it was a good opportunity to look at a bit of an overview and also to look for real-life application.
The key thought for me has been in the definition of excellent. Using both the Hebrew origins and the English dictionary I have come to see that the Prov 31 woman is one who is strong, capable, and efficient. She is noble, dignified, her actions affects others, she is alert and courageous in the face of danger, she is intelligent and qualified for the task that God has called her to. At no place has this verse ever been interpreted as “perfect” though that is often the interpretation we carry around in our heads.
I like to look at the character trait that drives her to the actions that she is so well known for – productive, resourceful, decisive, diligent, self controlled, compassionate and so many more. I believe that she is relational focused; that her desire is to support her husband and build relationship with her children and care for others. The major point is though is, she fears the Lord. From this perspective she is someone that I see as my role model, someone I aspire to. It is do-able. Afterall, she didn’t do it in her strength – she lived her life in worship (fear) of the Lord.
I don’t put the calling of being a Prov 31 woman higher, or harder than the calling of being a follower of Christ; a Christian
- I am called to put other’s first – my husband, my children, or others in need,
- I am required to be a good steward of the resources God has given me – time, money, energy,
- I am to have control over my tongue and speak words of life,
- I am to trust in God for all my needs, and recognize that when I am weak, I am strong, through Him who has called me.
If I can say that I am walking in my calling as a Christian (relying on the grace of God as I grow more like Christ) then I have to be able to say I am also walking in my call as a Prov 31 woman. Just as our life as a Christian is a journey, where we grow and change, then our skills as a wife, homemaker, businesswoman, neighbour is also a journey, where God’s grace will teach us and forgive us as we mature.
What does Prov 31 look like in my home? Of course this isn’t 100% all the time kinda stuff – but I am characterised by these things – that is it happens more than not:
- My husband trusts me; He trusts my discernment, my decisions, my heart
- I am on the watch to keep our family holy and separate for God
- I look for the best ways to care for my family’s physical needs
- My mind is able to discuss financial and investment issues
- My heart and home is open for those in need
- I don’t fear for the future, though at times it is unknown
- My husband is respected as a man, in his business, in the church, and in the town
- I study the Word in the hope of being able to speak words of wisdom
Areas I would like to see more of in my home (as I see it today)
- There are times in my day that I know I fritter away, idleness
- I am not physically strong and don’t look after my physical body the way I should
- I need to be a wiser steward of our finances