As I have grown, I have come to value the important role a woman plays in the development of a Christian home. A woman who has God as the center of her life will prove a valuable asset to her husband, her children, and the church. Many of us have seen wonderful examples of such women in our mothers, grandmothers, and fellow Christian women. We must not let the world influence our ideas and values as it tries to indoctrinate us with feminism and humanism.

The role of the woman is in the home. She is to be the keeper of the home and the manager of the home (Tit. 2:5; 1 Tim. 5:14). If she is very rarely in the home, how can she adequately fulfill her God-given role? Yes, sometimes, circumstances do not allow a woman to stay at home. My fear, however, is that many women are working solely so the family can have more, do more, and travel morebenefits that might satisfy for the moment but prove worthless in the end.

In Proverbs 31, Solomon highlights the life of a "worthy woman." He sets forth a number of important roles for such a woman including being a good woman, a good wife, a good mother, and a good neighbor. By displaying such roles, a worthy woman will not only benefit those around her, but she will also bring to herself a good name.

First, a good woman is a diligent worker. She stands apart from other hardworking women because she works unselfishly, knowing the benefits she obtains are not only monetary, but spiritual. Her focus is on helping others, not promoting self. She is good and honest in all her dealings. She has God at the center of her life.

Second, a worthy woman is also a good wife. A good wife always seeks the best for her husband, and her attributes are a complement to him. She demonstrates her love by willingly submitting to him. She does not submit out of fear and tenor but out of a desire to obey her Lord. A woman such as this should be praised.

Third, Solomon deals with the role of a good mother. He states in Proverbs 31:21, "When it snows she has no fear because her household is clothed in scarlet." It is obvious from this statement that this mother gives the best she can to her children. Her family is of great importance. The worthy woman sees her family as the king and herself as the servant. She rises early to tend to her motherly duties and is always striving to fulfill her obligations to them. Why does she do these things eagerly? She does this because of her love for her family and ultimately her love for God.

Fourth, a worthy woman also serves those outside her family. She helps the poor and lifts up the needy. She is always ready to lend a helping hand to those around her. Whether it be visiting those in sorrow, bringing food to the elderly, or inviting friends and strangers into her home, she does it with a glad heart. She also speaks wisely, never giving heed to vain words or gossip. Her wisdom is known among the people, and many seek her advice. She does not gloat in her wisdom but freely advises those who desire her words.

Solomon states in Proverbs 31:10 that such a woman "is valued far above rubies." "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her" (v. 28). What tremendous satisfaction she must gain when she hears such words!

As young Christian women, we need not look out into the world for our role models but to the Bible and to the church.

Are the goals we have for our lives going to hinder our roles as godly women, wives, and mothers? If they are, let us refocus so that when we have families we can remain in the home. For many it will mean a sacrifice of a career, that big new house, that beautiful new car, or those great vacations. But what a small sacrifice to make for the ability to play an important role in the making of a godly home. The rewards will far exceed anything in this life that we can imagine. That is why I desire to be a godly woman, wife, and mother.

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 6 p. 24
March 16, 1995