This week in my quiet time, God has led me to explore some very practical scriptures about the Biblical model for a woman. It's been very eye opening to see, the scriptures He has shown me and His expectations for me. As I read through these, and broke down the verses looking at definitions, (even on words that I thought I understood) it has been captivating. For the next few weeks, I would like to share with you what The Lord has shown me.
1 Timothy 3:11 "Women must likewise be dignified, not malicous gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things" NASV
Dignified - having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect;
synonyms - honor, reward, formal, distinguished, self respecting, stately
I don't know about you, but showing a composed serious manner.. isn't exactly me all the time! Certainly not formal, distinguished, and stately. However that one synonym - "self respecting"- really stood out to me. We could easily look over that one and not give it much thought. However, if we aren't self respecting it affects our behavior, language and all relationships in our life, because we try to make up for our non abilities.
Now a little background behind this passage, Paul was writing to Timothy with clear cut instructions on setting up the church, and just how it should be. And the verse we just covered was instruction for women in the church. I could elaborate, but instead let's look at Titus 2:3a "Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior.."(NASV)
Reverent - an act of showing respect; a feeling or attitude of profound respect; high opinion of
.. it's an attitude, an emotion, it is something we do.
synonyms: admiration, devotion, esteem, high esteem
Notice how both dignified and reverent both express traits about respect. One shows that we are to be respectable the other is the we are to be respectable to others; showing respect.
You know the old saying, respect is something earned......
How do you measure up? Is your lifestyle reflective of being respected? How are you doing respecting others? The definition of respect is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something, to consider worthy of high regard.
As women, a lot of times, we are caught up in 'to-do' lists and it leaves very little time for reflection of the expectations God has for us. Knowing that we live in a 'hurry up' society, my prayer for you is that you will take a moment of reflection in prayer to see what God might be trying to show you. Especially in the holiday season, we tend to get caught up in the "but I have to...." of life. Let's commit to a moment of reflection to allow God to show us areas were we might better glorify Him in being dignified, reverent and respectful.
~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock
