Spiritual Lessons/Practical Homemaking
Biblical
Womanhood
Being
a daughter, a young woman, a single woman, a sister – entails a
lot. What does a single young woman look like from a biblical
perspective?
I
believe a godly young woman holds her family and home in high regard.
She is industrious. Confident. Virtuous. Respectful and honoring
to her authorities. Chaste. Sober. Desirous of protection from her
father, a productive beneficiary of the home, a keeper at home in
training, an influence on those around her.
Recently
I was challenged in why I believe these things. I would like
to share with you (possibly in a small series) why I believe
and stand firm in this description and to the best of my ability
strive to be what I have described to you, and why I encourage others
to do so.
The
topics that were brought to my attention in a recent discussion with
a young woman were these:
- Why should women stay at home?
- What is woman's purpose?
- Is our father really our protector and head?
- Do we women really have weak hearts?
- What are guy and girl relationships supposed to look like?
- What are the boundaries of physical touch?
- Can women be feminine and brave and adventurous?
If
I were to only share my opinion it could easily be questioned. Who
am I? I'm just a young unmarried woman myself, how could I possibly
know? Who am I to tell others?
Fortunately
we have a guide – the Bible. I do not intend to push my ideas and
standards on anyone. I would simply like to address these questions
by looking to what God has to say. I would love to hear from you,
either comments, challenges, or your trials and triumphs. Don't be
bashful. I love feedback.
In
this post I would like to only address a few of these questions.
In
my short life I have been asked this question numerous times. Of
course it has been stated in various ways, but I've heard it a lot.
Most likely it is because the principle of fatherly protection has
become culturally unacceptable and in most modern family make-ups
totally forgotten.
And
yet, we women have an innate need of protection and love. Looking
back to the very beginning we see that we were formed from man, for
man. (Genesis 2:22) God created woman to be man's helpmeet. This
is woman's main purpose.
When
I shared this recently with someone they were surprised. Women were
created to serve mankind? No. Women were created to be their
man's helpmeet. There's a
difference. In pagan cultures women are to be used by men. In a
biblical founded culture women are precious and esteemed. The Bible
shows the husband and wife relationship as a picture of the Christ
and church relationship. (Ephesians 5:21-33)
“Wives,
submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the
husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is head of the
church: and he is saviour of the body.” Ephesians 5:22-23
As daughters, our calling to respect and honor our
authorities cannot be expected to be less than what is commanded of
the wife. The Bible calls our father the head. We are to obey and
honor him. (Ephesians 6:1-2).
Our culture has a twisted perception of what this looks
like. The Bible's mandate is noble and functional. The world
scrutinizes the biblical family structure and labels the
Husband/Father figure as a tyrannical brute, while believing the wife
is cornered into a small mundane unhappy sphere, with the children
being sheltered victims.
The Biblical pattern is only painted this way because
God's enemy happens to be the prince of the world and Satan has
purposefully saturated the culture with this distasteful view.
Instead, the biblical family is a healthy beautiful
creation. Men are protectors, leaders, loving their wives as Christ
loves his bride. Women are their man's queen, guardians of their
homes, nurturers of the next generation, warrior crafters,
industrious homemakers. Children are an inheritance of the Lord,
blessings that are cherished and trained in the admonition of the
Lord.
Yes, fathers are our leaders and “head”.
#2. What is woman's purpose?
This has almost been answered in #1. It was not good
for Adam to be alone, so God created woman. A helpmeet suited for
him. This is more than a duty, it's why we were created. We have
been designed to be helpers to men. Just as men were created to lead
their homes, we were created to be man's helpmeet. This is not
demeaning in any way. Our man needs us. We have a choice of whether
to stand by his side and find fulfillment in being the helpmeet we
were equipped to be, or run away from our role as helpmeet, ever
seeking for that missing purpose.
Proverbs 31 describes a virtuous woman. I believe every
woman, no matter their age or marital status should strive to apply
these principles. Women are not men's slaves, but co-laborers. We
fight the same fight, press toward the same goals, share the same
gospel, reach the same souls, and raise the same warriors. We are
essentially equal, but subordinate in function.
I was recently asked this question because the young
woman who questioned me had read my blog and was under the impression
I believed all women should stay at home. I shared with her that I
considered a woman living at home an ideal situation. But, being a
godly young woman does not mean we must stay at home.
Too often, people focus on the “thou shalt nots”
they perceive in Christianity. Christians and anti-Christians alike.
Instead we can look for what the Lord expects of us and we will be
excited and inspired in what He has called us to be, compared to
overwhelmed or disappointed in what we can't do. Honestly there are
many more principles and promise than “shalt nots”.
If we look to the Bible for principles we see that women
worked in and outside the home. In fact, the description of a
virtuous woman shows her bringing food in from afar, buying real
estate, selling merchandise and serving the poor and needy. Women
are not constrained to only household duties. We are called to be
keepers at home and helpmeets. This is our noble calling.
But, the application of this calling may look different for each of
us. Where we should be careful is when we decide to pursue our
interests to the hindering of our calling.
For example: Education and Work.
The worlds way is, go to school then find a career.
College and a career are not bad in and of themselves, but we have to
question whether these paths will prepare and equip us for being the
women God has called us to be. I believe that in most cases, 4+
years in college, debt and a career will most likely not prepare or
equip us.
Yet work and education are good things. I personally
have taken many college courses and have held part time jobs. As I
explained to the young woman, God has obviously given us passions for
a reason. Exploring them and educating ourselves is not only
acceptable, but to be expected. It's a prudent choice, and obviously
not outside biblical principles. We just have to seek His will in
how we apply the biblical principles. With many different
home-lives, family structures, interests and personalities it would
be foolish to assume we all would lead the same identical lives.
What we women do have in common is our calling to be virtuous
women. We are not to structure our lives around our passions, but
pursue our passions to equip ourselves to our calling as women.
But what about life-long singleness? Are these women
gypped of a calling? Is it biblical to stay unmarried?
Paul was an unmarried apostle. He even preferred it,
and would have liked all men to be as he, but conceded “...but
every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and
another after that.” (1 Corinthians 7:7).
Just as marriage is a gift, so is singleness. Both are
callings, but from what I can see in the Bible and even in a
practical perspective, life-long singleness is an uncommon calling,
reserved for a few. But life-long singleness does not give these
single women any more of an excuse to pursue their passions and
dreams for their own interest, anymore than those who are called to
marry. Single woman are obviously given a special opportunity to
serve in a different way than married women. But still for the glory
of God. The biblical principles of virtuous womanhood can and should
still apply. They can still support and strengthen the men God has
put as their authority. They can still be a good sister and build
their siblings up. They can still influence the next generation.
They can still encourage men in our society to be men by being
biblical women. They still can be industrious and financially
faithful women who open their mouth with wisdom and speak kindness
and look well to their household.
Again, I was asked this question because of certain
former posts that advocated fatherly protection, guarding our hearts
and femininity.
I can understand any disgust at this proposition if you believe I meant women are inferior, incapable, prissy, and emotionally unstable. But this isn't the case at all.
The Bible says we are weaker vessels. (1 Peter 3:7).
Emotionally we are normally more sensitive, and thus more prone to
emotional attack. This is not a condemnation but a fact, and really,
we are all weak compared to God's strength and He loves to prove
Himself through our weaknesses so He can show Himself strong. I
only was warning young women to guard their heart because I know what
a battlefront the heart can be. I'm not the only one that gives
warning, but God does also – …..“Keep thy heart with all
diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
This isn't my opinion, but a biblical admonishment as well.
Which easily leads us to ask –
The world has tried to remold femininity into a totally
different definition altogether. Feminine does not mean pink and
lace, nor does it mean a giddy flirt. It also does not mean we are
incapable weaklings.
Because of our culture's misconception, many young women
I know have embraced everything they consider to be “un-feminine”.
They disdain girl stereotypes, and model anything that would be the
opposite.
And yet femininity simply means to be womanly. And we
look to the Bible to define how to be a godly woman. We have already
discussed what women are called to be, and some examples of what that
looks like, but the Bible also says women are to have chaste
conversations, to look after the heart more than the outward, to be
meek and quiet, obedient, compassionate, loving, sober and discreet.
(1 Peter 3 and Titus 2).
Men are not to be copied, rivaled or envied. We too our
strong in our own ways. In fact femininity is strong. Neither man's
strength or woman's strength is superior than the other, they are
just different.
What does a feminine woman look like?
She is not masculine. But she can be firm, she is
gentle, but not inferior, able and confident, but submissive and
respectful. She is an encourager, a support, loving, helpful,
competent and intelligent. Her strength is found in His quietness
and confidence (Is. 30:15) and in the satisfaction of fulfilling her
God-given calling.
To be feminine in this day and age requires more
strength than most people think! Femininity is constantly under
attack by the culture's mindset, and by God's enemies. To embrace
femininity means you will be rowing upstream. And yet it is worth
it! Being a woman of God in the 21st century is not
boring! In fact, my life is so full, so exciting, with endless
opportunities I feel like I wish I could live several lives at once!
There are so
many battles to be fought, so many people to encourage,
so many books that could be written, so many venues, I am
overwhelmed! And I can tell you that I have never been more
satisfied as when I am complementing the men God has placed in my
life and boldly standing for truth. There is nothing cookie-cutter
about biblical womanhood.
Plus I have never felt more secure than when under my
Heavenly Father and my earthly fathers protection. To be guarded
brings such self-worth. I'm a treasure worth protecting. My father
and brothers zeal in this only proves how I am cherished. I am not shielded from every fun entertainment, my sphere is not a small one,
I am not chained to domestic drudgeries. It is a delight to be
feminine. Biblical womanhood is a mission. I am proud to be a woman
without the guilt or envy that I am not like a man. As a woman I
have the power to influence the next generation. I am given a
beautiful noble calling to support and encourage my father (and
someday husband) on to greater heights.
In my next post I will address relationships and
physical touch.
Click here for Biblical Womanhood Part II
Click here for Biblical Womanhood Part II
You are an inspiration, Toni! It warms my heart to see how God is blessing you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Auntie Donna. :)
DeleteI enjoyed reading all you had to comment on Toni. Looking forward to the next part as well. Striving towards Biblical Womanhood really is an up stream pull. And it definitely isn't "cookie cutter". You cannot deny the Biblical principles, but the way we each seem to individually apply these principles is really rather varying. It's interesting. What is sad to me is that Biblical examples of womanhood are missing. The Bible talks about younger women being taught by older women (Titus 2:3-5)... but none of the older women are teaching the younger generation. No, women are definitely not inferior in rule. It is just different. We need godly women as we need godly men. It makes me think of the saying "The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world."
ReplyDeleteThank Lynea for your comment. You're right! There does seem to be a lack of the "Titus 2" woman. It can be discouraging at times. but then I guess it only gives us something to look forward to when we reach that stage. And I love that saying...."The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world". It comes from a poem, William Ross Wallace. :)
DeleteI agree, Lynea, it seems older women who actually teach can seem hard to find. It isn't an excuse ,but I think sometimes the reason is there are not enough avenues or opportunities given for older women to speak into the lives of younger women. And/or it can be scary sometimes to speak up when it seems like there is so much unbalance both ways on the subject of a woman's place.
DeleteWell said Toni... It is always good to be able to defend the Biblical principles that we live by and I often forget that there are people who not only disagree with being biblically feminine, but also attack the idea. Or there's also the other set of people who really have no clue what we are designed to be and are fed feminist propaganda since childhood. It's good to put all of this into words.
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa. Yes, there are people who attack biblical womanhood...in our culture it is offensive. This doesn't shock me, but what is surprising is the number of Christian woman who are offended by God's calling for them. You know biblical womanhood must be a beautiful, powerful thing if God's enemies are so bent on doing away with it.
DeleteWonderful job Toni! Thank you for sharing you thoughts on these subjects, it is a blessing to read. I look forward to the next part.
ReplyDeleteTasha
Glad this was a blessing to you Tasha. Biblical womanhood is nothing to be ashamed of, but striven for with confidence and excitement. It's a noble beautiful thing. You are already a lovely example of godly young-womanhood. :) You are an encouragement to me.
DeleteI am still quite curious to hear from the rest of my readers. Don't be shy. And I don't just expect laud. Feel free to express yourself. I love feedback.
ReplyDeleteWould it be fair to say that you subscribe to the Judeo-Roman model of marriage then, as well as their perspective on a woman's role in greater society?
ReplyDeleteHi Sam, good to hear from you. I'm unsure what you mean by "Judeo-Roman model of marriage". I believe in biblical principles in marriage as much as biblical principles in womanhood.
DeleteI did do a series on courtship if you are interested: http://maidarise.blogspot.com/2014/08/courtship-defended-part-i.html
I "subscribe" by what the Bible lays out God's will to be in my life. I know that is pretty simple, but maybe I'm unsure what you're asking? If you have specific questions let me know! :) Thanks for the feedback. God bless.
I love this post, Toni. It is clear, concise and well balanced. I take you seriously when you say you look for feedback and expression and was looking for some specific ways in which I could do so. All I can say is "bravo" for outlining it so well! It is true that there are many false conceptions of what real Biblical womanhood looks like and as others have already said, it is anything but boring or cookie cutter. We are all unique and have special callings within the sphere of womanhood. There is true liberty to be found in embracing our femininity and bravely going forward into the exciting unknown of this thing called life! There is no better feeling than fulfilling one's intended role as a "help meet" instead of trying to compete. And that looks so different from what most people might imagine.
ReplyDeleteThose who portray God as an arbitrary, chauvinistic bully are flat out wrong! True Christianity is the only religion that gives woman such a place of honour and esteem that is sadly missing in many other religions.
Thank you for your thoughts Jana! Was a blessing hearing from you. Was thinking of you while writing this post. :) You are such a godly example of a single virtuous woman. Love you dearly.
DeleteThoughtfully written. Society's over reaction to some of the past has been dangerous to women. But even many Christians have bought into some subtle nuances of the same thinking. There is a tendency to "over value" women if there could be said to be such a thing. We need to also be discerning of that twist in thinking that results in the same problems as the world's feminism. I have been thinking of this a lot lately and considering posting on this very subject.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughts. Hope you were able to read my older post on feminism.
DeleteI enjoyed this Toni. These issues so desperately need to be addressed in today's day and age. The world has such a false view of womanhood (truly Biblical womanhood). You laid it out clearly and concisely. From the world's view I guess it seems as though we're missing out on all the fun stuff, the "harmless" pleasures of the world. What they don't realize is what they're missing out on; the peace and fulfillment and joy that comes from a life committed to following the Lord and His desires, so much better than our own could ever be. Like the song Sheltered by His Grace-
ReplyDeleteI've missed out on heartaches this world feels everyday
And I've missed out on a broken heart that would steal my joy away
I've missed out on all the things they said I'd miss out on
But somehow I have a heart of peace while their good times are gone.
It's truly sad that the world has such a twisted image of God as to believe we'll "miss out" on "good" things by following Him. There's such joy in following the path the Lord's set for you.
Emma, it is such a blessing to see you growing into such a beautiful young woman inside and out! :)
DeleteAww. Love you Mrs. Hutto. :)
DeleteThank you Emma for your thoughts. I really appreciate your feedback. My whole desire for writing this post was to encourage godly young woman like yourself. It is thrilling to have you say that there is such joy in following the path He has set before you. You're right! Biblical womanhood is such a beautiful exciting adventure. So much to explore, so many venues to express yourself, so many worthwhile things to pursue, and such satisfaction and fulfillment in going His way. Thank you for your thoughts. Sometimes it is hard to stand against the flow and be perceived as abnormal. But it's worth it.
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ReplyDeleteI really appreciated this post Toni! It was very well put! Love and thinking about you! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Gracie. Glad you enjoyed it. Curious to know if you are ever asked "why" you do some of the things you do....and if so, do you find it hard to give them an answer?
DeleteSo, if any of you ladies get this "comment" I'd love to hear from you. Are you ever asked "why" you do certain things (standards you have, or convictions, ie: why you dress the way you do, why, as a grown woman you obey your father, why you don't date....etc.). If so, is it a common occurrence? And how do you discuss these issues? Is it awkward or easy? Do you ever feel discouraged about these topics? Would you say my answers were too radical? Just some thoughts. Thanks girls.
ReplyDelete