becoming a godly woman

“... but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

1 Peter 3:4

there is something about this scripture that i find altogether lovely.

the fact that our very hearts are dwelling places for the Holy Spirit is something that has been placed on my mind lately, and I think that it is the key to this "imperishable beauty."

by becoming more like God, we become less full of ourselves, making more room for the Holy Spirit to work within us and transform us.

therefore, being filled with the Spirit so much that it transforms us more into His likeness - is very precious indeed.

i love being a woman. i truly enjoy embracing my feminine side, just "being a girl" with my girl friends, and all of the fun nonsense that come with that.

but i think all of us have met at least one woman in our lives, at some point, that has been so infatuated with Christ that even a stranger could tell "there's something different about her."

let us not confuse looking up to someone with wanting to be that person. comparison, as we know, is the thief of joy.

but in that same breath, it is such a blessing to have someone like that in your life that you can look up to, that you want to be more like because of the outward evidence of their personal friendship with Jesus.

so what does it take to become more like these examples of godly women? how do i become a godly woman? what is a godly woman?

looking back to 1 Peter 3:4, we can automatically see two key traits being pointed out: a quiet and gentle spirit.

first, let's examine the quietness of a godly woman's spirit. no, it does not mean to keep our mouths shut at all times and to literally be quiet - the Lord knows that many of us are somewhat incapable of that (haha!).

"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

Galatians 6:14

"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

2 Corinthians 12:9

boastfulness has to do with talking in excessive pride about something, particularly about oneself. in today's society, it can be so easy to want to be seen and to want to be heard; to want to be loud.

but at the end of the day, if it's all for superficial boasting, what's the point?

in 1 Peter 3:4, i think the beauty here - as it relates back to becoming overflowing of the Spirit - is that a quiet spirit is one that magnifies the Holy Spirit through humility of oneself. who am i, to think i have anything greater to offer than the very love that He first loved me with? who am i, to think that the Author of Creation can't do something greater through me than i can alone?

who am i but an image bearer to know God and make Him known! to me, this, is the imperishable beauty of a quiet spirit.

and now, to take a quick Look at what it means to have a gentle spirit. gentleness is one of the listed characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit!

to embrace and exude gentleness is to be an extension of the Lord's own gentleness! how simple and lovely is that?

"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Ephesians 4:1-3

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,"

Colossians 3:12

it is abundantly clear that gentleness is a trait that is often not the first choice, either, in this world. rather it is a key characteristic that implies evidence of God's presence.

gentleness (or meekness, as in Colossians 3:12) is a defining trait of being God's chosen ones.

you are chosen!

let us dwell on the fact that the Lord has chosen us as His daughters, and let us find peace in knowing that we are precious in His sight.

in these ways, by becoming enamored with the Lord of Love, His Word, and becoming so full of His Spirit that it overflows... let us pursue the imperishable beauty of 1 Peter 3:4.

let us walk together and become more like the godly woman that He has called us to be. 

another passage that iconically describes a godly woman includes, of course, proverbs 31. 

read proverbs 31:10-31. i know you’ve probably read it before, but go slowly. 

yes, in this context is is describing a good wife, and I know not all of us are married or even in a romantic relationship to begin with, but… ladies, regardless of your earthly marital status, (approach the passage with a grain of salt in this point of view) but take it from the point of view as the Church. 

the Church. the bride of Christ. 

a woman who works dutifully with willing hands, who clothes herself with strength, carries herself with dignity, who is generous in her giving, who speaks with kindness and wisdom, and fears the Lord. 

what a remarkable person. at the end of the scripture here it says “charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” 

superficial beauty is vain — vain, meaning conceited or having excessive high opinions of one’s appearance, abilities, or worth. 

but a godly woman boasts in the Lord. not in herself. 

a godly woman’s beauty is of her character (which magnifies the Lord). Though personally, I find that this more often than not may have the privilege of representing itself outwardly, too. (funny how the radiating beauty of Jesus has that effect). 

we can all humanely agree there is something enticing about beautiful things, which is a natural attraction, but all earthly beauty pales in comparison to the beauty of Christ. 

henceforth, why imperishable beauty is precious to God. imperishable beauty means a dwelling of the Holy Spirit. our hearts become a reflection and magnification of the Lord’s perfect and holy beauty. 

the more we learn about God, and the closer we grow to Him, the more reverence we will find for Him. 

if you do not know God, you will not fear Him. you will not respect Him. you will not obey Him. 

but if you know the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, how can you not fear Him? how can you not love Him? how can you not be in awe of Him and desire to obey Him all of your days? how can you not be captivated by His holiness? 

a woman who fears the Lord, is a woman who knows the Lord. 

a godly woman is dedicated to knowing God deeply and being perfectly overwhelmed by His Spirit’s presence, dwelling within her. 

let’s become her.

with great love, 

emily christine