Unfading
     Beauty

Note: Unfading Beauty is transitioning to a monthly posting. The former Nutribite will be posted as the main monthly entry.

A study of the original multi-tasked woman of Proverbs 31:10-31 teaches us a significant character quality—she possesses a heart open to learning from the experience or wisdom of others.  Biblical wisdom, “is both religious and practical.  Stemming from the fear of the Lord (Job 28:28; Psalm111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 9:10) it branches out to touch all of life, as the extended commentary on wisdom in Proverbs indicates.”¹  Wisdom takes insights gleaned from the knowledge of God’s Word and applies it to one’s daily walk.  We know the Scriptures provide the basis for possessing a teachable heart (Proverbs 2:17-21), and we are reminded of Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 10:6  “now all these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they [the Israelites] also lusted.”  Solomon’s admonition to his son is a serious warning to us “. . . fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).  However, once we are convinced that we need to seriously consider the wisdom of mature saints, our next step in making sure that our lifestyle clearly demonstrates that our values and character align with the Word of God is to examine our daily walk.  Let’s pose a second probing question—do my daily choices reflect that I walk wisely?  We will use an acrostic for the word Christian to answer this question . . .

C          would of course stand for Christ.  Women who ponder the answer to this question have learned about Christ in their churches, Bible studies, and personal devotions.  Other Christians who sought to show these women by  their lifestyle how a Christian should behave have instructed them.  They know how to achieve salvation (Romans 3:10, 23; 5:8, 12; 6:23; 10:9, 10, 13).  The significance of this part of the question is, does she just know about Christ, or does she know Him as her Lord and Savior (Matthew 7:13-23)?

H          reminds us of holy—a trait that Christians are instructed to embrace.  Leviticus 20:7 instructs believers to consecrate themselves and be holy as God is holy.  Our actions most always follow our thoughts; do we fill our minds with thoughts that will challenge us to live a holy lifestyle (Philippians 4:8-9)?

R          stands for reputation.  People remember us by the things that we do.  Throughout the Bible Rahab was known as “Rahab the harlot” (Joshua 2:1, 6:22; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25); though her lifestyle changed, her reputation followed her.  Do I  purpose to cultivate a reputation that invites others to imitate me as I imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)?

I           focuses on integrity, a word that basically means that I choose to do what is right, when given a choice between right and wrong.  Psalm 15 describes the character of those who may dwell with the Lord and begins with integrity (Psalm 15:2)—is it also a description of my character?

S          stands for the Scriptures, God’s Word, that has all of the answers to all of life’s questions.  However, they only answer the questions if they are diligently searched (John 5:39).  A study of Psalm 119 reveals all that God’s Word will do for me—do I live like I believe it?

T          focuses our thoughts to the little book of Titus, particularly Titus 2:4-5, where the older women are told to “admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”   This passage implies that the younger woman learns how to use time management skills in her home, manage the family finances, cook nutritious meals, practice hospitality, joyfully submit to her husband, and raise her children in the “fear and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4) . . . so that the Word of God will not be discredited.  Am I willing to learn these skills and then teach others?

I           directs the multi-tasked woman to inquire—in other words, to ask.  Matthew 7:7-8 are two of the many verses that tell us that if we ask, our Lord will respond.  Do I ask with a humble heart that is truly desirous of my heavenly Father’s will?

A          is a challenge to abstain.  Simply stated, abstain tells the multi-tasked woman to stay away from anything that could possibly not be good for her.  First Thessalonians 5:22 is a short but potent verse that basically says anything that is unbiblical should be shunned!  Do I abstain from every form of evil?

N          reminds the multi-tasking woman that NOTHING is impossible when she trusts her Lord.  Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs believers to place their trust in God and not their own understanding—then their paths will be straight.  Philippians 4:13 is a reminder that through Christ believers can do all things and that without Christ they are nothing.  Do I trust God or lean on my own understanding?

            As you multi-task are you willing to ask yourself at the beginning of each day, “Will the choices that I

make today reflect that I walk wisely?”   Will you walk through the day with your heart set on pleasing your

heavenly Father so that at the day’s conclusion your response is affirmative?  If so, you are making wise

choices!