I read an article on Facebook that broke my heart. It actually happened a few years ago, but the powerful message remains. It was a story of a five-month-old who was neglected by his parents, and he died. He had been strapped in a carseat and placed in a crib for eight days with no diaper changes, food, water, or touch. What happened here? Did his parents have more pressing issues to deal with other than their baby? The story says they were eating and playing video games. My only consolation in reading this, the baby is in a much better place. This sad story served as a reminder to me that our world needs God. Many around us live to serve themselves and their selfish desires, (see Romans 16:18) much like the parents in this story. As Christian women, we need to reflect the beauty of the Lord and His ways, and take a part in teaching the next generation that our lives are from God, about God, and for God. If more people have a noble direction for their life, I believe we wouldn’t hear stories such as this one. We are “lights” for God (Matthew 5:14, 16) so let’s look at areas where we can shine for Him.

God has set up a system of order in our homes, and if we strive for a godly attitude here, we will trust His wisdom and follow it. 1 Corinthians 11:3, “But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.” In today’s world, women fight for equality in all areas.  A godly woman understands that she is not inferior to man, but simply has different roles in the home. We find some descriptive words for godly women such as: “reverent behavior, not gossips, not enslaved to wine, teachers of good, encouragers to younger women, lovers of husbands and children, sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, and being subject to their husbands,”Titus 2:3-5. We see, from these verses, that we have plenty to do! The result of fulfilling these roles is at the end of verse 5, “that the Word of God may not be dishonored.” When we choose to disregard our husband’s authority, we are dishonoring God. Insert any of the words listed in the above verse and fill in the blank. When I act irreverently, I am dishonoring God; when I gossip, I am dishonoring God, etc. God’s system is so powerful that wives are told they can even “win their husbands over without a word by their chaste, respectful behavior” (1 Peter 3:1-2).  Let’s strive to be busy about the Lord’s work, and consider how we can be good stewards of our time.

Reflecting the beauty of the Lord, we should reach out to those who are younger than us, or new to the Faith, and be encouragers to them. Show them by our example how to please God. Perhaps the parents in this story were never taught by example how to parent? Be ready to show a new mother how to soothe a crying little one, and hold them close to your heart. Show them that loving your husband and your children is the most fulfilling job in the world. Help them to see that there are creative ways to keep your home, and make it a refuge for your family after a hard day in the world. Encourage a daily diet of spiritual food, and not drink or medicate to get through each day. If you see a single woman struggling with her identity, emphasize her worth in God’s eyes, and pray with her about finding a godly husband. Teach her about modesty, purity—God’s way.

I realize that an article being posted in a Christian women’s site is probably “preaching to the choir,” but I know we all need reminders. Let’s be “lights” for Him wherever we may be. We never know who we may bump into at the store, or start a conversation with at the library. Who may visit our assembly or Bible class next week? Was it God’s providence that brought them there? We don’t know where they have been, or what, if any, godly training they may have had. Be willing to be a friend, and let them tell you their “story.” Listen with an open heart. Show them His ways. Show them that the most beautiful women in God’s eyes, are the ones who reflect Him.

“For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:5-6

This article was originally posted on April 7, 2014.

by Robin Martin

Robin and her husband, Randy, work with the Lord’s church in Rosemount, Minnesota. They are blessed to have 7 children and 10 grandchildren. She is ever grateful for the grace of God and His undying love.