A virtuous woman is simply a woman of excellent moral character and integrity. She is a rarity and a treasure worth seeking out. While all people-and therefore all women-are inherently valuable and precious to God, when it comes to being a wife, (eventually) a mother and a member of the body of Christ, I want to be of the most value that I can possibly be even if it means I have to live my life counter culturally. That may look something like this:
- Any woman can be selfish. It takes a rare woman to think of others more than herself.
- Any woman can quit when things get a little difficult. A virtuous woman relies on the goodness of God to get her through the tough times.
- Any woman can use her body to get a man's attention. It takes a rare woman to be modest and to rely on her moral character and a loving God to bring her to the right man at the right time.
- Any woman can manipulate others emotionally to get her way and then pout or throw a tantrum when she isn't able to do so. It takes a rare woman to understand that honesty and grace is the better way.
- Any woman can get angry and throw a tantrum when she feels unrecognized and underappreciated. A virtuous woman may be upset but she remembers that God sees her and keeps perfect record of every labor of love and sacrifice.
- Any woman can let loneliness and rejection cripple her. A strong woman will use times of loneliness and rejection to draw closer to the Lord.
- Any woman can join in the gossip. A rare woman of integrity will steer the conversation away from it or leave the conversation altogether.
- Any woman can brag about how expensive her clothes and accessories are, how good she looks or how much money she makes. It takes a rare woman to be humble and acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from above.
- Any woman can be lazy and never work to better herself. A virtuous woman understands that by being her best self, she can best honor God and benefit His Kingdom.
- Any woman can look at the accomplishments of others and be discouraged. A godly woman understands that it's not wise to compare herself to others but rather to be the best version of herself that she can be.
- Any woman can be bitter over being wronged. A rare woman is able to accept the apology she never received.
- Any woman can believe that the world owes her something and get bitter when she is let down. A woman of moral excellence understands the Biblical principle of sowing and reaping and will work hard to achieve her goals.
- Any woman can become defensive and "give someone a piece of her mind" when criticized. It takes a woman of great character to hold her tongue and be gracious in the face of adversity.
- Any woman can publicly bash her husband and/or men in general in order to appear strong in front of her friends. A woman of moral excellence does not participate in husband/man bashing and instead shows honor or says nothing at all.
- Any woman can spend way too much time and money trying to appear to have her life all together and "perfect." It takes a rare woman to be content.
- Any woman can shirk her responsibilities in pursuit of her own selfish desires. A woman of moral excellence puts others first.
- Any woman can rebel when she feels her "rights" have been violated. A woman of great moral character will express her concerns respectfully, going through the proper channels of authority and will take her concerns to God in prayer.
- Any woman can shake her fist at all men when one man has wronged her. A woman of character will forgive and will not hold other people accountable for one man's mistakes.
- Any woman can be catty and critical of other women by whom she feels threatened. A woman of integrity understands her purpose and is confident in her place in the Kingdom of God.
- Any woman can tear another woman down out of jealousy. A godly woman builds other women up.
- Any woman can feel jealous and competitive toward her husband's accomplishments. A woman of moral excellence cheers her husband on, builds him up and is not afraid to give him time in the spotlight.
- Any woman can be bossy, demanding and critical toward her husband. A virtuous woman understands the blessing and protection of submission to a godly husband who has her best interest at heart.
- Any woman can be overly defensive when corrected by an authority figure. A woman of moral excellence graciously accepts correction and works to better herself.
- Any woman can value pop culture trends, magazines and the advice of her girlfriends. A woman of understanding will seek the wise council of an elder, a pastor and/or her Bible.
- Any woman can be kind to those who are kind to her. It takes a woman of moral excellence to be kind to those who aren't.
- Any woman can give up when she fails. A virtuous woman will pick herself back up and rely of the grace of God as she tries again.
The list goes on and on.
Character is rare these days-in both men and women. Taking the high road is pretty much never easy...but it is always right.
It is a common need among women to feel treasured and special. The problem is that most women go about it in the wrong way. If you really want to be treasured by those who matter most (that would be God first, then your husband & family) have morals. Be godly, trustworthy, honest, kind, forgiving, loving, gracious and faithful. The world has enough examples of brash, vulgar, petty women. It needs more women of character and integrity who exemplify godly strength.
Although these qualities and characteristics are rare, ANY woman can obtain them. It takes being filled with his spirit and being transformed by his word through daily submission to it. Becoming a virtuous woman is a lifelong process. None of us are "there." I'm certainly not. It's a difficult road of sacrifice and self-denial. There will be moments of failure all along the way. The good news is that he has given his word for wisdom and instruction. He has given the Church for support and encouragement. And he gives us more than enough grace in his presence to cover our mistakes and to propel us forward.
Although these qualities and characteristics are rare, ANY woman can obtain them. It takes being filled with his spirit and being transformed by his word through daily submission to it. Becoming a virtuous woman is a lifelong process. None of us are "there." I'm certainly not. It's a difficult road of sacrifice and self-denial. There will be moments of failure all along the way. The good news is that he has given his word for wisdom and instruction. He has given the Church for support and encouragement. And he gives us more than enough grace in his presence to cover our mistakes and to propel us forward.
Blessings!
~Kristen
