Who Can Find a Virtuous Woman?
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By Lydia B. “For all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.” Do we as sisters in Christ allow the virtuous character of our Lord Jesus to course through us and into the lives of others? We as daughters can glean an incredible amount of truth from the life and testimony of Ruth. Elimelech and Naomi chose to flee to Moab because of a famine in Israel. Their hasty decision was probably based on the fact that the city of Moab would bring immediate satisfaction to their physical needs. During their stay in Moab, Elimelech and Naomi were blessed with two sons, who married two Moabite girls. Eventually, Naomi’s husband Elimelech, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion passed away. Although the lives of these women appeared to be crumbling, the Lord had other plans which would far surpass the expectations of both Ruth and Naomi and would go far beyond their generation. While traveling to Bethlehem, Naomi pled with her two daughters in law, to return to their home town. Although Orpah chose to return to Moab, Ruth refused to be deterred by her mother-in-law’s persuasive arguments. She chose to surrender her rights to that of taking care of her widowed mother-in-law. You may recall that when Naomi returned to Bethlehem, she voiced her bitterness toward God in saying, “the Almighty hath dealt bitterly with me seeing that I went away full and hath returned empty.” I am sure it was not easy for Ruth to live in complete service to an embittered mother-in-law. Ruth chose the path would lead her God-ward, and was able to see past the imperfection of others in seeking an eternal goal. The book of Ruth never hints that Ruth expressed her dislike for Naomi’s bitterness, but instead looked for the best in her mother-in-law. Ruth, now without home, family, or familiar worship practices, chose to align herself with Naomi’s God. Ruth also demonstrated loyalty, admiration, and respect to Naomi, in spite of Naomi’s attitude and wrong life choices as a person. Immediately, Ruth put herself to work, choosing to make herself a blessing rather than waiting to be called on. I’m sure Ruth, being a stranger, was likely timid working in the fields with Israelite men. Despite all her misgivings, she purposed to press on in following her mother-in-law’s advice. Ruth was not going to let anything hinder her newfound walk with her God. Because Boaz’s heart was right with God, he was able to see that Ruth’s desire for God was rare and valuable. Are we able to identify with Ruth’s desire to cling to Christ, more than seeking the attraction of men? She purposed to let her character be her reputation, rather than trying to attract the men working in the field. Ruth’s meek and quiet spirit is what attracted Boaz to her. He recognized the reality of the presence of God in her life, and felt drawn to this woman. I once heard this quote, “A woman’s heart should be so hid with Christ that a prospecting man would have to seek God to find this woman. As it says in Proverbs 31:30, “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” Do we find the Lord to be enough, or do we believe that our satisfaction and joy can come from having a relationship with a man? Ruth had no hopes or expectations for her future. Patience had her perfect work, and as a result, Ruth had no desire for anything else. James 1:4 says, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” When Ruth resigned herself to God’s purposes, God was able to bring Boaz to Ruth. He knew that Ruth’s relationship with Boaz wouldn’t alter her relationship with Himself. Many of us as young women can testify to the fact that we delight in the idea of marriage, and probably wish to be committed to a godly man in our lifetime. If you can relate, is this what spurs you on to take the next step in your life? Can we truly call this our daily walk with God? If this is what motivates us each day, we are missing the meaning in life. What about those years before marriage? Are we using those single years to bless and serve others while we have the chance? How would our parents evaluate our motives? Could they honestly say, “Yes, my daughter sacrifices her time and energy for me, not only when others are watching, but also when she sees I could use an extra hand?” Would they agree that our words and actions not only exemplify Christ’s character when around friends, but also when at home alone when a younger sibling is struggling and needs more assistance than expected? Do they enjoy consistency in our diligent work and helpful spirit, or is it just a façade that we have learned to attach to our duties to make ourselves look better in the eyes of those who might be watching? Do we find ourselves being grateful for those precious years before marriage where we are given the priceless opportunity to learn contentment and complete surrender on the Lord Jesus? If we daughters never learn to be content at home, we can be sure that it will not come easily after marriage. We will continue to look to earthly things to satisfy that longing in our heart rather than looking to the one whom we know from experience, will supply all our needs according to his riches in Christ. “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). We should not quench the Spirit when He gently calls for surrender in those things we love the most. Ruth didn’t let the visible cares of the world detain her from the unseen riches of her God. She left behind all that was comfortable and submitted to the will of others, showing active faith that God would supply her needs. Ruth chose not to succumb to the good or bad around her, but purposed to make God her focus. When we get caught up in the uncertainty and cares of this life, we can only find true joy when we place our eyes back on Christ. When I shift my eyes off the Lord, I can easily feel that I can only give so much. Then the Lord (or Mom!) gently reminds me, that what I “have” has nothing to do with myself. When my motive for service is of self, it soon will deteriorate and my pride will surface. Instead, when I allow Christ to flow through me, I can be much more effective and can encourage others into the love of God, because all trace of self is removed from the picture. Sometimes the duties God has us doing as daughters may seem “hardly the Lord’s work,” and yet doing what God has placed before us cheerfully is exactly what He requires of us. When Peter tried to free Jesus from the death he was to die, Jesus set the example in how to respond to the will of God. “Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (John 18:11) We as daughters may feel useless and incompetent in performing “that” thing that we think will endear us to God. The little duties imposed upon us by our surrounding circumstances or by unpleasant personalities can sometimes be the hardest duties to accomplish with a good attitude. Discouragement will set in when we allow our self to believe that we are capable in conquering our own failure. It is the righteousness of Christ that is acceptable to God, and He uses our failures to bring us into dependence upon Himself. Who has strength for these things? II Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” The Lord promises that our lowest points in life, is when His strength is most magnificently perfected in us. Humility is the key to having Christ’s spirit rest upon us, and I think it is also the beginning of becoming a virtuous woman. I am not able to be this in and of myself, but I accept the righteousness of Christ; He works these things in my life as I submit to Him. Living these truths enabled Ruth (an unlikely candidate), to eventually be a vital part in the lineage of David. “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility” (Proverbs 15:33). After graduating in 2016, Lydia has actively been involved in helping tutor her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews. Lydia enjoys sewing, cooking, and playing musical instruments. Lydia is thankful for the hope she has in Jesus, and that her life is worth living, because He lives. |
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