For the past fifteen years I have been on a transformational journey. Becoming a woman after God’s own heart— a jewel of incomparable worth.
In my quest to become this person, Proverbs 31:10-31 has been an invaluable source. Teaching me how to live a life of excellence. So that both my character and actions honor the Lord.
No matter the task— insignificant or great— completed in anonymity or in the public eye. It honors the Lord when done with excellence. As described in verse 13.
Delight attends her work and guides her fingers as she selects the finest wool and flax for spinning. (Voice)
In biblical times both wool and flax were highly valued by the Jews. Wool was the primary material used for the making of winter clothing. Wrapping the wearer in warmth on cold winter nights and protection from soaking rain.
Know for its long, strong fibers. The flax plant was used to make linen— the material used for summer clothing. A lightweight material that helped to cool the body on hot, dry summer days.
Biblically, wool symbolizes God’s truth. When linen is used to represent clothing. It is speaking of the righteousness or righteous acts of God’s people— His beloved. A personal holiness that allows one to approach God.
Although women were primarily responsible for the making of clothing in biblical times. The spiritual implications of this passage are also applicable to men.
God’s truth is your protection and compass as you navigate the changing landscape of your life. God’s
- pledge to never forsake you. Even when outward circumstances suggest He is absent, unfaithful or uncaring.
- promise of victory. Adversity, defeating disappointment and even betrayal is never the end of the story He has written for you.
- grace. Quenching the damage to your soul from the fires of persecution.
- restorative power. Strengthening you as you address your desires, hurts, fears, failures and flaws.
- lie detector. Identifying paradigms cleverly camouflage as wisdom— truth. The opinions, prejudices and personal preferences of individuals who do not know and love Jesus.
Life is a series of choices. Determining whether your life is one of excellence or mediocrity. Both spiritual and personal excellence requires
- boldness and courageous faith. Making it possible to shrug off others ridicule, doubt or lack of support. To say no to anything that contradicts God’s truth.
- saying no to sin. God will not shelter you from sin. Instead he provides His grace— power to resist sin. If Jesus could be holy and undefiled, so can believers. The Spirit of the living God who lived in Jesus lives in you the believer.
- overcoming the fear of man— what others think. This insidious paradigm will suffocate you. Destroying your dreams. Diminishing or negating your spiritual authority. Preventing you from glorifying the Lord by your deeds.
- persevering until Christ’s return. Earnestly and passionately teaching and living the Gospel— the good news of the Kingdom.
- protecting and enlarging God’s Kingdom. Improving the temporal conditions of those living here on the earth.
Your life must be God conscious and God centered. This is the only standard of excellence acceptable to God. By
- not conforming to the fads or customs of the culture that are in direct opposition to the Word of God.
- living a disciplined, self-controlled life. Allowing God to be in control.
- remaining obedient to the Lord and the destiny He has planted. No matter the cost.
- disciplining your emotions, your tongue and your thoughts when all hell is breaking loose around you.
- seeking the Lord’s will and doing whatever it takes to fulfill it.
- taking delight and pleasure in work. Rather than viewing it as laborious and boring.
- serving cheerfully. Not by force, fear of punishment or selfishness. Doing everything in love.
God’s truth when intricately interwoven into your life. Creates a tapestry of inner beauty, gracious leadership and wisdom. Transforming you, others and the world.
Be a VOICE in the deafening sound of sameness!
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