The Importance and Influence of a Godly Woman. A godly woman is a precious and priceless gift of God. A woman shapes the way people speak, behave and even influence others. What makes a woman influential in a lasting and God honouring way is not her position, education, personality or background. The basis of her lasting influence is her character (Prov. 31:10-31). A godly woman is the best kind of woman to have around. Proverbs 31:30 says, “charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”. A godly woman is a woman who knows God and fears Him. To fear God means to reverence and respect Him. If we could all grasp the importance of fearing God, this would sort out a lot of divisive quarrels. What kind of influence does a godly and God fearing woman have? A godly woman can influence the direction of an entire nation. Her influence begins in the home and then permeates throughout the life of the church and ultimately society. As a mother shapes the character of her children, they will grow up with an understanding and worldview that was primarily influenced by her. In this post we will observe three key areas in which a woman can have a powerful influence. In the Home A woman is granted a unique and influential role in the home. The home ought not to be viewed as a place of little or secondary importance (Prov. 14:1). Instead, the home ought to be viewed as a domain of joy, training and influence. If she is married, in the context of home life she has a particular role in relation to her own husband, namely submission (Eph. 5:22; Col. 3:18; 1 Pet. 3:1), respect (Eph. 5:33), helping (Gen. 2:18) and being affectionate (Titus 2:4). If she has children, her role (with her husband) in relation to her children is to love them (Titus 2:4) and instruct them the Lord (Prov. 6:20). In the Church A woman also has an influential role in the church. In a way that only a woman can, she is able to teach other women the word of God (Titus 2:3-5). Also, when it comes to marriage and parenting, older women – seasoned in the word – are able to help the younger women with marital and parental advice (Titus 2:4-5). Men are very limited in the depth in which they can instruct ladies on such matters. But a seasoned woman in the word is a powerful influence in such areas. Though a woman cannot fill a position of authority or leadership in the church (1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9), she still has an important role and influence in the church. In addition to the above-mentioned roles, she can sit on appropriate committees, teach in the appropriate contexts, give, serve, show hospitality, care for the afflicted and devote herself to godliness (cf. 1 Tim. 5:10). A godly woman in a church is a valued and precious gift with an untold influence! In the World When it comes to a woman’s influence in the world the sky is the limit. However, such an influence will never abandon who she is by God’s design and what pleases the Lord. The level of value of her influence in society is not defined by positions of prominence (though it may include that), but by her faithfulness. She may influence society by faithful prayer, excellent work, training up faithful children and/or serving overseas as a faithful missionary (eg. Amy Carmichael and Mary Slessor). Her actions may be private or prominent and yet can still have great influence (cf. Rahab and Esther). The importance and influence of a godly woman is priceless. To suggest that the biblical teaching on the role of a woman is limiting and demeaning is a reflection of an ignorant understanding. Instead of being deceived by worldly movements that promise a false “liberation”, a godly woman will know who she is before God, and will respond by being what God requires of her. When this happens, it will influence the home, church and society for the glory of God.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Nov 2014 17:38:50 +0000
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