Unfading
     Beauty

Note: The former Nutribite entry will be posted as the main monthly entry.

 

 

Meet the Multi-tasked Woman Prototype

Nutri Bite 6

Did you know that the prototype for the multi-tasked woman is found in Scripture?

¹Proverbs 31:10-31 introduces the original multi-tasked woman whose lifestyle, values, and character align with the Word of God—and she is a woman whose life twenty-first century, multi-tasking women are challenged to emulate. Why? Because the immutability (changelessness) of God is in question if Proverbs 31:10-31 is no longer relevant—if we think God changed His mind about one passage of Scripture, how can we be sure that He has not changed His mind about others? J. I. Packer, in Knowing God, lists six attributes of God that provide a solid foundation for us to consider before studying the principles suggested in the Proverbs passage . . .

• God’s life does not change.
• God’s character does not change.
• God’s truth does not change.
• God’s ways do not change.
• God’s purposes do not change.
• God’s SON does not change.²

Since God is immutable, multi-tasked women cultivate a lifestyle that reflects they believe His principles are essentially the same realities for twenty-first century believers as they were for those of the Old and New Testaments. The multi-tasked woman acknowledges that the description of her Proverbs 31:10-31 counterpart is not designed to develop an inferiority complex within her—rather it provides a biblical foundation for the creation of principles by which she prioritizes her life. Eleven principles motivate the multi-tasking woman—Virtuous, Trustworthy, Energetic, Physically Fit, Economical, Unselfish, Honorable, Lovable, Prepared, and God-fearing. Let’s take just a moment to reflect on the heart of these principles . . .

• Virtuous (31:10) is an inner quality that instinctively demands respect. Moral excellence characterizes all of this woman’s behavior (Ruth 3:11).


• Trustworthiness (31:11-12) is the ability to keep another’s confidence. The multi-tasking woman’s speech is encouraging, sympathetic, and tactful (Proverbs 25:11). Her love of her Lord is evident (John 14:15) and dependability is exhibited in her lifestyle (Proverbs 25:23).


• Energetic (31:13-16, 19, 24, 27) suggests that she is a worker and not a shirker (Proverbs 10:4). Her Christianity is practical (James 1:17); she enjoys her work (John 4:36) and attacks it with a cheery attitude (Colossians 3:17).


• Physically Fit (31:17) reminds her that to perform her duties efficiently she must be healthy. A multi-tasking woman seeks to understand her personal limitations and then work within them (1 Corinthians 6:19).


• Unselfishness (31:18) is displayed in her willingness to share her most valuable asset—her time—with others. Practically speaking, a multi-tasking woman is not so busy with her own affairs that she can’t lend a helping hand to others. Her words bring comfort, hope, cheer, and, when necessary, correction to those who touch her life (Galatians 6:10).


• Honorable (31:25) is reflected in her choice to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). She dresses modestly and understands the importance of maintaining a reputation of integrity (Proverbs 22:1).


• Lovable (31:28-29) is manifested in the consistency of her lifestyle. She enjoys relationships that have depth because she seeks to sharpen her friends spiritually and intellectually (Proverbs 27:17).


• Prepared (31:21-22) allows our multi-tasking woman to cope with unforeseen circumstances with confidence (Philippians 4:13).


• Prudent (31:26) implies that she is practically wise and careful of the consequences; that is, she is cautious. As she speaks she has the ability to be firm, yet kind (Proverbs 27:9b).


• God-fearing (31:30) suggests that her actions and lifestyle consistently reflect that she stands in awe of her Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and loves Him with all of her heart (Matthew 22:37).

Proverbs 31:31 describes The Reward of cultivating the eleven principles. The multi-tasked woman receives her rewards “in the gates,” which refers to the public assembly of people; she is often rewarded in this life and always in the hereafter (1 Corinthians 3:10-15, 4:1-51; 1 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12). “Jesus said, ‘You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.’” (Matthew 25:21). He meant that he who is faithful in serving the Lord here will be rewarded with an honored position in His millennial kingdom.”³ The multi-tasking woman lives in such a way that Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:21 characterize her daily life.

¹ See Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock, Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God, A Guide to Developing Your Biblical Potential (Chicago: Moody, 2003) for further elaboration.

² J.I.. Packer, Knowing God (Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 1973), 68-72.

³ Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, Perhaps Today: Living Every Day in the Light of Christ’s Return (Wheaton: Tyndale, 2001), 165.

Viewing Yourself as One of God’s Precious Vessels
Nutri Bite 5

What thoughts cross you mind when you read 1 Peter 3:7?  Do you view yourself as a precious vessel that your gracious heavenly Father designed to a specific purpose, or is your initial thought similar to one of my students?  I can still visualize her reaction as I transitioned from teaching Proverbs 31:10-31 to a New Testament counterpart, 1 Peter 3:1-12.  I began reading 1 Peter 2:21 to put the 1 Peter 3:1-12 passage in context; when I reached 1 Peter 3:7, out of the corner of my eye I observed her body language change dramatically after the phrase “a weaker vessel” was read; she was visibly displeased with the content.  Knowing the student well, I was confident that as soon as we completed the reading she would have her hand raised—my intuition was correct. 

Having taught for a number of years, I learned to pray and think on my feet.  As I acknowledged the student, I petitioned my heavenly Father for His response to her straightforward statement, “I resent being labeled as weaker!”  He graciously provided my response by “fast forwarding” my eyes to the section of my notes that related to the verse, and I responded to her with these words . . .
 
Peter provides a clear description of the attributes of godly living in the home and church in 1 Peter 3:1-12.  He begins by describing the behavior that God expects of every wife in relationship to her husband (1 Peter 3:1-6) and concludes with the relationship that should exist among Christians, in general (1 Peter 3:8-12).

Sandwiched between the role of the wife and the relationship of Christians in general is a verse which provides the foundation for lasting harmony in the home—1 Peter 3:7.  Three specific principles emerge from this verse:

• The husband is to live with the wife in an understanding way.
• The husband is to honor his wife.
• The husband and wife share a joint inheritance as “heirs together of the grace of life.”

The word knowledge is derived from the Greek word gnosis, which suggests that the knowledge is attained through study and practice—not simply a casual understanding.  Peter's use of the word likewise links this instruction with the example of Christ’s sacrificial and unjust suffering given in 1 Peter 2:21-25.

Peter instructs the husband to honor his wife; this suggests that a woman is to be treated with esteem and dignity.  As unto the weaker vessel does not suggest an inferior position, but rather one used for a special purpose.  Fine china is not used for camping—not because it is inferior, but rather because it is designed for more elegant occasions.  So the wife is not an inferior vessel, but rather one designed for a unique role.
 
Peter's final instruction to husbands is a word of warning—recognize your wife as a fellow heir or your prayers will be hindered!  Peter recognized that marriage is a reciprocal, not a one-sided, relationship.  As husbands and wives acknowledge one another as joint heirs together of the grace of life, they will realize God's highest plan for their relationship.

As I completed my brief summary her body language relaxed as she stated, “Oh, that makes sense—I am not inferior, but simply designed for a different use.”  I inwardly thanked my heavenly Father for His response, and continued the introduction to the content that would teach my students about cultivating a lifestyle that pleases their heavenly Father.ⁱ
 
Consider your relationship with your heavenly Father, do you view yourself as a precious vessel He crafted for a unique purpose, or have you allowed the world’s definition of a successful woman to blur the depth of His love for you?  Today, spend time meditating on Jeremiah 31:3, Deuteronomy 7:6-8, Romans 5:6-11, 8:31-39, 2 Corinthians 4:7, and Ephesians 3:1-19 to establish in your mind the limitless, unconditional love your heavenly Father has for you—a love that is independent of how well you multi-task.  Aligning your thoughts with His truth is the first step to acknowledging that you are indeed His precious vessel. 

ⁱ See Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock.  Designing a Lifestyle that Pleases God, A Guide to Developing Your Biblical Potential.   (Chicago:  Moody, 2004), 36-40.

The Multi-tasked Woman Chooses to Embrace God’s Special Instructions to Women

Nutribite Four

         Though I grew up in a Christian home and thought I accepted Christ at the age of ten at Vacation Bible

School, I did not mature as a believer.  As I entered my teen years and my elderly parents’ health declined,

I acquired a negative, cynical outlook on life.  My father passed away during the first week of my freshman

year of college, and my mother followed on, my second day as a new teacher.  I recall my pastor putting his

arm around me at my mother’s funeral and saying, “We’ll see you in church on Sunday.”  Outwardly I simply

nodded my head; while inwardly I thought, “I have attended church since I was an infant; it has done nothing

for me, and I have better things to do with my Sundays.” 

As I settled into my role as a new professional, from outward appearances my life appeared ideal—I had a good job, a boyfriend, and discretionary financial resources for the first time in my life.  As well, I had a number of good friends, and was in an upward career track in my profession.  Despite all of the “good things” that were happening externally, I experienced an internal, gnawing hunger.  I vividly recall returning home from a date one Friday night and saying to my roommate, “I don’t know what you are doing Sunday, but I am going to church.”  Since she didn’t have other plans she agreed to attend with me.  I did not want to return to my childhood church so we attended one about a mile from home.  Tim LaHaye was the pastor, and before we left the church that Sunday, individually, we both made certain that we were a part of God’s family (see Romans 3:10, 3:23, 5:8, 5:12, 6:23, 10:9-11, 10:13, 1 Corinthians 5:17). 

As an educated woman I was excited to both learn from a gifted pastor and study the Word of God on my own (Pastor LaHaye consistently repeated, “no Bible, no breakfast!”). I experienced an insatiable hunger for spiritual truth—and as the weeks passed, I experienced a decline in my internal, gnawing hunger.  The glamour subsided, however, when I was confronted with biblical standards about the role of women.  As with Eve in the Garden of Eden, Satan tried his lies on me, saying in essence: “Surely your loving heavenly Father did not mean that you, an educated woman, would be subjected to those archaic standards!” (Genesis 3:1-7).  By God’s grace I did not linger to discuss the matter with him but rather continued “to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).   As a result of my growth I have learned that . . . 

As you multi-task will you choose, as I do daily, to exercise your will and eagerly embrace God’s special instructions to you?  I believe you will be happy with an affirmative decision!                                                  © Pat Ennis, 2008

The Multi-tasked Woman Searches for God’s Special Instructions to Women

Nutribite Three

Did you know that you are questioning the immutability of God if you embrace the popular teaching that God’s special instructions to women are not relevant to our twenty-first century lifestyle?  All of the Scriptures that provide instruction for cultivating a lifestyle that pleases our heavenly Father allow us to be “doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves” (James 1:22).  When we search the Scriptures we uncover special instructions provided for us by Him; exploration reveals that a Christian Woman is . . .

· Aware that she was made by God in His own image (Genesis 1:27).

· A companion, helper, and an equal to her husband¹ (Genesis 2:18, 21-24).

· Gracious (Proverbs 11:16).

· Discreet (Proverbs 11:22).

· The crown of her husband (Proverbs 12:4).

· Careful to build her house following the way of wisdom described in Proverbs 9:1-6 (Proverbs 14:1).

· The opposite of the contentious wife described throughout the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 19:13, 21:9, 19; 25:24; 27:15-16).

· An asset to her husband (Proverbs 18:22, 19:14).

· Worthy of praise (Ruth 3:11, Proverbs 31:10-31).

· Cautious to avoid cultivating the behaviors associated with a seductress (Ecclesiastes 7:26-28).

· Guarded in her behavior to prevent acquiring a reputation like the daughters of Zion (Isaiah 3:16-24).

· Submissive to her husband (Ephesians 5:22-23).

· Modest; her clothing reflecting that her heart is focused on God—especially for worship (1 Timothy 2:9).

· Trustworthy in all aspects of her life and ministry (1 Timothy 3:11).

· Willing to honor true widows (1 Timothy 5:1-16).

· Grounded in the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:6-7).

· Careful to develop a personal testimony that is consistent with her profession of faith (1 Timothy 2:10).

· Teachable (1 Timothy 2:11).

· Eager to train her children (2 Timothy 1:5).

· Available to teach the younger women (Titus 2:3-5).

· Excited about developing the type of character that pleases her heavenly Father (1 Peter 3:1-6).

· Faithful to follow the examples of the women who walk through the pages of the Old and New Testament (1 Corinthians 10:6; Hebrews 11:11; 1 Peter 3:1-6). 

As you contemplate the truth of these Scriptures, perhaps the poem that follows, written by one of my students, Debbie Ward, will help you to direct your thoughts to the long-term benefits of obeying God’s special instructions to you—even when they are contrary to popular trends.

Did They Know?

Contentious Sarah, did she know

That her plan could only bring woe?

But as she lived by God’s rich grace

She would be the mother of a race.

Sinful Rahab, did she know

As she hid the spies, and kept them low,

She would be freed from her awful vice

And her name be found in the line of Christ?

Faithful Ruth, did she know

As she stayed by Naomi long ago,

Her kinsman redeemer, salvation would bring,

And she would become the mother of kings?

Lovely Esther, did she know

While in the palace, more beautiful to grow;

God would grant her that highest station,

And use her to rescue His chosen nation?

Favored Mary, did she know

As she lived her life humble and low,

That God would make her exalted among women,

And allow her to bear His Son from heaven?

Widow Anna, did she know

As her life to the service of God bestowed;

Her fastings and prayers were but a small price,

For the privilege of seeing God’s Holy Christ?

Barren Elizabeth, did she know

As her husband prepared to the temple to go;

That he would return with a story of joy—

God would grant them a special little boy?

Godly Eunice, did she know

As she guided her son more Christ-like to grow;

That he would be used, beloved friend of Paul,

To bring many to Christ, redeemed from the fall?

And you, dear woman, do you know

On the embers of your faith God will blow?

That child to raise, or that gap to span,

He will use them all to further His plan!²

Nutribite Two

As a multi-tasking woman, do you make cultivating a lifestyle that pleases your heavenly Father your top priority?  Are you aware that to cultivate such a lifestyle means that you must think like Him, and to think like Him you must have His mind?  Proverbs 1:7 explains how to know our heavenly Father’s mind  . . . we reverence Him.  “This reverential awe and admiring, submissive fear is foundational for all spiritual knowledge and wisdom.  The fear of the Lord is a state of mind in which one’s own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds and goals are exchanged for God’s.”¹  Failure to exchange our attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals for God’s will makes women vulnerable to assimilating the fraudulent standards of man’s wisdom.  The voices of twenty-first century society shout loudly to us

·                  to free or liberate ourselves from the bondage of our ancestors.

·                   “do our own thing.”

·                   demand equality.

·                   gain personal fulfillment in life regardless of the impact on others.

·                   take control of our bodies, and many other contradictions to God’s instructions to women bombard us.  

It’s not that freedom is so wrong.  Scripture validates the pursuit of freedom.  Yet it directs the pursuit in a surprisingly different way.  As Christ says, true freedom begins with restrictions.

We find this surprising definition of freedom in John 8:31-32, where Jesus says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  Notice the sequence.  True freedom is not doing whatever I wish.  Freedom is the result of my actualizing Christ’s teaching, of restricting my life to that which is right and true."²

So, how do we cultivate a lifestyle that is pleasing to our heavenly Father? Scripture is clear that God’s general purpose for all believers is to

·                     be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

·                     bear fruit (John 15:1-11).

·                     walk in the spirit (Galatians 5:16-26).

·                     exhibit conduct that reflects their salvation (Ephesians 4:1-3).

·                     be good stewards of all of their resources (1 Timothy 6:17-19), and

·                     eagerly anticipate His return (2 Timothy 4:8). 

As Multi-tasked Women we should not only cultivate a lifestyle that reflects God’s general purpose, we should eagerly search the Scriptures to discover His special instructions to us.  Take a moment to list several of your heavenly Father’s special instructions to you—Titus 2:3-5 is one to get you started.

Are You A Christian Woman Or A Woman Who Is A Christian?

Nutribite One

As we begin the process of embracing God’s special instructions to women, let me ask you a question—are you a Christian woman or a woman who is a Christian?  On the surface, both parts of the question appear to be identical.  However, a closer look reveals that the first part of the question describes a woman who thinks she is a Christian but isn’t really according to scriptural guidelines.  She may be theologically sound but practically inept; and, as James teaches, believers are to, “prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).  The second portion of the question describes the woman who, by her lifestyle, clearly demonstrates that her values and character align with the Word of God.  Let’s take a look at what God’s Word says as you consider your response to my question!

The book of Proverbs reminds us repeatedly that if we choose to live wisely our life is rich and abundant.  1 Kings 3:3-15 describes a prayer of Solomon’s which serves as a model for all women who are Christians . .

·         Solomon loved the Lord and walked in the statutes of his father, David (3:3).

·         He was privileged to experience a unique, two-way conversation with the Lord (3:5).

·         He viewed his succession to David as evidence of the Lord’s faithfulness to His promises to his father (3:6).

·         He humbly admitted his inadequate qualifications for the position the Lord asked him to assume (3:7).

·         He petitioned the Lord for an understanding heart to judge his people (3:9).

·         He received what he did not ask for (riches and honor) because he sought God’s wisdom first (3:13).

Application of Solomon’s prayer for twenty-first century women may include:

·         Loving her Lord completely (Mark 12:30).

·         Communing with her Lord through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

·         Believing that her heavenly Father will complete the good work He has begun in her (Philippians 1:6).

·         Understanding that she can only complete her Father’s work through His strength (Philippians 4:13).

·         Seeking the Lord’s wisdom rather than relying on her knowledge and experiences (James 1:5).

·         Trusting that her Lord’s ways are best (Proverbs 3:5, 6).

While embracing the positive attributes of Solomon’s life, our multi-tasked woman will be careful to avoid the fatal errors that were a part of his character—though he walked in the statutes of his father and loved the Lord, his choice to continually worship at the high places demonstrated that he failed to follow Him completely (1 Kings 3:3).  As well, he chose to live life on his own terms rather than personally applying the truth (John 4:41).  A woman who is a Christian identifies the “high places” in her life; seeks, through our Lord’s strength, to “utterly destroy them” (Deuteronomy 12:1-7); and purposes to skillfully apply biblical truth to practical living (James 4:17).

            The lifestyle of the woman who is a Christian reflects her heavenly heritage and focuses on the development of what is truly permanent and noteworthy . . . her character.  May I encourage you to consider the scriptural blueprint for the multi-tasked woman modeled after 1 Corinthians 13 that follows?

THE CHARACTER OF A WOMAN WHO IS A CHRISTIAN

If I speak to other women about their scriptural roles and responsibilities but lack the motivation to integrate the teaching into my life, I am arrogant (1 Corinthians 8:1).

And though I know about the women of the Bible and believe myself to be a devoted Christian but fail to emulate their model, I am nothing (1 Corinthians 10:11).

If I pursue Christian ministry and stay up all night preparing a theologically correct Bible Study but fail to develop the gentle and quiet spirit that is precious to my Heavenly Father, my efforts are in vain (1 Peter 3:4).

A woman who is a Christian is gracious (Proverbs 11:16) even when others are not.

She believes that the verbal picture of God’s ideal woman painted in Proverbs 31:10-31 is as relevant today as the day it was written and seeks to integrate the principles of Virtuous (31:10), Trustworthy (31:11, 12), Energetic (31: 13-16, 19, 24, 27), Physically Fit (31: 17), Economical (31: 18), Unselfish (31: 20), Honorable (31: 25), Lovable (31: 28-29), Prepared (31: 21-22), Prudent (31: 26), God-fearing (31: 30), and Rewarded (31: 25, 31) into her daily life.

A woman who is a Christian gleans insight from the knowledge of God’s Word and seeks to become a Wise Woman (Proverbs 2:17-21).

She takes seriously the mandate of Titus 2:3-5 and intentionally acquires instruction in time management, family finance, nutrition and food preparation, hospitality implementation, joyful submission to her husband, and the raising of her children in the “fear and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4) so that God’s Word is not discredited.

As for professional contacts, they will diminish in importance; as for speaking opportunities, they will be presented and the content forgotten; as for strategic social events, they will occur and the memories will fade; but the woman who is a Christian prepares to face God’s plan for her future with confidence (Proverbs 31:25b).

So, both the Christian Woman and the woman who is a Christian abide in the Christian community; however, the woman who is a Christian cultivates a lifestyle that clearly displays that her values and character align with the Word of God.

See Designing a Lifestyle that Pleases God pp. 35-58 for further elaboration.

© Pat Ennis, 2008

INTRODUCTION

The demands of twenty-first century living require that a Christian woman be multi-tasked!

Some tasks are fun while others are laborious.

Some match with our natural strengths and abilities while others stretch us to the breaking point.

Some are executed easily while others require that we leave our comfort zone.

Many can be completed in record time while others drag on indefinitely.

Some can be performed independently while others require the cooperation of others.

            Whatever the task, we often need a supplementary spiritual boost to keep our minds focused so that we are performing them as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:17).   Nutritionally, when I see the word supplement on a label, I know that nutrients have been added in amounts greater than 50% above the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) to correct a potential deficiency.  Just as nutritional supplements can improve our physical well-being, so Nutri Bites are capable of boosting our spiritual stamina—and that’s the purpose of Nutri Bites for the Multi-Tasked Woman.  Its contents offer you Nutri Bites to chew on and digest so that your multi-tasking yields fruitfulness rather than frustration.  It is my prayer that the postings will make the truth of Nehemiah 8:10b a reality in your life so that the joy of the Lord will consistently be your strength!