The Cross and Christian Womanhood

I listened to this message by David Platt this morning.  It. Was. Awesome.  Don't be fooled by the title.  It is applicable to single women, married women, single men, and married men.  He addresses each, in turn.  There's also video, if you are more visual than auditory :)

I thought I'd post the highlights... so here are the notes I took while listening.

Proverbs 31

How does the Cross uniquely attribute honor and beauty to what it means to be a woman created by God?

I love verse 25.  "Strength and dignity are her clothing."  I hope that can be said of me.

This woman is described as the perfect woman... not as a standard to live by. She perfectly reflects God's wisdom in womanhood.  We should long to be more like her as she reflects the wisdom of God.

There is good news, if you are concerned about living to this ideal.

• The mercy of God covers your past!
• He has filled you with His Spirit.
• The presence of God empowers your present.  He is WITH YOU!
• The hope of God guarantees your future.  It's not up to you.

As the church, we should praise Christlike women as we promote Christ-likeness in women.

A woman needs people pointing her to the beauty of God's design in her.  Charm is deceitful... it will fool you.  Beauty is vain...it is empty.  

So what is a real woman to be?

W Wise: she fears, honors, and trusts God.  She boldly faces the future.

O Overseer of the home: this does NOT mean she is the head of the household.  She is t he manager.  The Lord created us with equal dignity, in different roles.  How a woman leads her home, while submitting to her husband shows the world how we gladly follow God's leadership!

(Titus 2:5) (1 Tim 5)

The heart of her husband trusts in her.  (I love this!)  Don't skip over the significance of this.  She does him good and not harm.  She enables good to happen in her husband's life. She delights in his satisfaction.

M Mighty: she has a strong mind and a strong body.  She is smart, and a hard worker.

A Attractive in all the right ways: Her words are kind.  Her works are admirable.  It's not about what you wear or look like, but how you live.  Her attire is tasteful.  Her demeanor is delightful.  Her husband is pleased with and proud of her.

N Neighbor to the needy: She is generous and unselfish.  She initiates compassion and looks for opportunities.  She serves sacrificially.

It all comes back to the cross.  You find yourself loving as you have been loved; serving as you have been served.