Putting it all together wasn’t as easy as I initially thought. I knew I was looking for clues, but I didn’t realize the potential we all have to be the virtuous woman (VW) simply by becoming more Messiah-like. From her thoughts of others to her actions, the VW’s characters reflect Messiah-likeness in servanthood.
Key Takeaways
- We saw that the VW used selflessness in a very efficient manner. She never looked for self-glory or acknowledgment.
- The VW synchronized her work into one seamless flow. She might have understood the precious limited time and used it effectively in the extra free minutes between activities. She may have weaved in her free time as though it were another task.
- She possessed a level of boldness that was more than just confidence in herself, as though she knew who she was and her actions were reflected her calling as a woman of virtue.
- The VW didn’t worry about flaunting her wealth in her clothes, jewels or embellishments.
- She was emotionally secure, not concerned about her reputation, or to make a name for herself, or to be acknowledged. Everything the virtuous woman did came from a heart of love. Emotional security is based in true love.
Scriptural Examples
The Scriptural examples that came to mind were ordinary women who lived a life of other-centeredness. These women, regardless of their current circumstances didn’t think twice of reaching out. – To recap:
- Ruth, Ruth 1:1-4:22; Abigail, 1 Sam. 25:2-38.
- Dorcas (Tabitha), Acts 9:36-41; Lydia, Acts 16:14-15.
- The midwives, Exodus 1:15-19; The widow of Zarephath, 1 Kings 17:9-15.
- The prophetess Deborah, Judg. 4-5. Jehosheba, 2 Kings 11:2; 2 Chron. 22:11-12. The prophetess Anna, Luke 2:36-38.
Character Development
Whoa. Developing these kinds of characters may seem overwhelming at the best of times. We may think of all kinds of excuses why it worked for them, but it won’t work for us. That isn’t true. Each of us is a potential virtuous woman, not because we were born that way or grew up in that kind of lifestyle, but because each of us have the free choice.
That’s right.
Character starts off with a choice. To have a particular characteristic comes from making particular choices in life. The virtuous woman chose on a daily basis to be virtuous. It wasn’t a natural gift or an inborn tendency, but a conscious choice.
Choices result in actions. Every choice we make is the decision before our actions, even if that means we don’t do anything about our situation, we are still acting out our choice. Actions are always preceded by a decision, no matter how insignificant or automatic. Decisions are made from choosing what we will do.
The consistent choices become habits. These result in their consistent actions (we choose to do them often) and so it becomes second-nature. Another word for that would be “automatic”. We make the choices without thinking because we are so accustomed to the process. It’s like we know the results so well that we prefer its familiarity.
Habits are the foundations of our character. Things we do without thinking – the habits – add up to how others see us; it’s who we become. This is where character is established. If we choose to think of ourselves first, then the actions result in putting ourselves first. The habits become self-centered and our character becomes self-focused, or, selfish. Likewise, if we choose to think of others as well as of ourselves, then the actions point to kindness, the habits become other-centered and our character begins to reflect Messiah-likeness. We are seen as virtuous women by the world around us.
Now, what can we do to reflect more virtuous woman qualities in our lives? It starts with making a choice right in the moment…and that’s another post.
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