There seems to be a common theme running through the pastor’s wives as we write these posts on Proverbs: can I possibly add any thoughts to such wisdom? They are so rich, deep, and thorough. So here’s my “wimpy” little attempt, gals!
I must confess that I have not been an active participant in this series. I had baby #5 in November and am still trying to figure out my new pace of life. I’m lucky if I get any sort of devotional time and it’s usually constantly interrupted! I’ve read bits and pieces of Proverbs this month. What struck me most was what Cynthia hit on with her post a few weeks back. Wisdom is calling me–what am I going to listen to? So many voices saying so many things.
Verse 30 of Chapter 31 is one that we have all heard over and over but let’s look at it yet again:
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Oh ladies, how I need to plaster this verse on my mirror!! So many things are telling me that my beauty is of upmost importance. That it’s my identity, my worth, and my value. Those things call to me. They tempt me to discouragement when the reflection in the mirror does not look as I wish it would. They tempt me to compare when I see someone else in their glowing external beauty. They tempt me to dissatisfaction with what is hanging in my closet or what my pocketbook has afforded me to buy. They tempt me to put my emphasis on what is temporary, not what is eternal.
Seeing God for who He is (fearing Him) humbles me and puts this whole “beauty battle” into perspective. When I realize that God is the center of the universe, and I am not, then other things become more important than my appearance. Am I loving myself, or loving God? Even more painful of a question, in my quest for beauty am I worshipping myself over worshiping Him?
How I desperately want to fear God and be praised. I know that you ladies do as well. May we all remember this truth as we walk through our days and seek to listen to wisdom calling to us.
The question of “am I loving myself or loving God,” is such a good one to ask as we consider our outer beauty–I think it’s a question that we can ask about every aspect of our lives too. Thanks Lori for doing this work to get us ladies thinking in the midst of all you have going on in your life!
Great post, Lori! These are things that we all struggle with on some level. And our society is s-c-r-e-a-m-i-n-g at us…….no matter what our age.
I do have that verse on my mirror. It helps me keep it all in perspective and to keep my eyes on what’s important. I need God’s help to do that.
I love your honest, open, relatable-ness.
Much love.
Thanks for these helpful thoughts, Lori, especially jumping in and wading through the feared and awed Proverbs 31
Your question “am I worshiping self over God?” is so good, applicable to all of life.
This struck me as I thought about that question. In our foolishness we pursue beauty to receive praise; yet, this praise is fleeting and insatiable, and produces striving (worship of self).
Wisdom calls to us to fear God and receive eternal, soul satisfying contentment, and the praise that matters most….which is what we really want and were created for (worship of God).
How I need God’s grace and intervention to choose wisdom and the worship of God over self.
Whew, I just gave myself a lot to think about
Maybe now I can save my family some money and stop geting my hair done….ah, probably not there yet.
Thanks, Lori.
Thanks Lori!
Great thoughts! Raising my girls has made me even more aware of the battle I face and how I face it in front of them.
Love your application question. Can’t say I’m in love with having to face my answer all the time.
Chrissy O.
My mom read this and said, “That’s really, really good.”
Just thought I’d pass that along.