More Than Skin Deep

More Than Skin Deep

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” – Proverbs 31:10, 30

Who is your heroine?

What women are you impressed by or inspired by?

For all the efforts over the past few decades in America regarding how women are treated, our culture is still obsessed with the appearance of women. We have made some strides, but a woman’s physical appearance still plays a big role in how they are perceived both in the eyes of men and women.

Proverbs 31 describes a different kind of ideal woman. She is one who is wise and kind, works hard, and most importantly, fears the Lord. It talks about appearance three times, though usually the text uses the reference to turn our expectation on its head. 

“She dresses herself with strength” – Proverbs 31:17

“Strength and dignity are her clothing” – Proverbs 31:25

“her clothing is fine linen and purple.” – Proverbs 31:22

The last quote is the only one which actually refers to her appearance and that isn’t referring to her beauty, but rather that this woman presents herself well, neither in a sordid manner nor a garish one.

When we look up to a woman, what if we used these measures rather than those of our culture? What if our heroines were kind and wise women, who loved the Lord, and were capable of accomplishing great things?

Today, is Mother’s Day. I want to take a moment to honor our mothers. You have been the hand of God, caring for our children and teaching them (and the rest of us) about Jesus in both word and deed. You have sacrificed your time and wants for your family. In doing so, you have shown not only your love, but the love of Christ. Thank you.

Heavenly Father,

You have created us, man and woman. You have made both to do wonderful things. Help us to honor both women and men in how we treat each other and what we value in each other. May we value above all, a person’s love and trust in You.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt