It is a common idea that Biblical femininity is only something to be practiced in marriage. I, too, have been guilty of this thinking. However, though you may be preparing to be a godly wife one day, you can also practice Biblical femininity right where you are. In this two part series, we will first discuss the role of a woman (that of a helpmeet) and how it applies to all those around her. Then, we will discuss how women may serve God through their relationships with men, whether married or single.
Part One
Biblical femininity is being a woman of the Lord. Obviously, to serve the Lord, you do not have to be married. God does not call every one of us to marriage; nor does He call every one of us to singleness. Women, despite their marital status, can provide valuable help to those around them, both male and female. Christians are imitators of Christ (literally, “Christian” means “little Christ”. See also Colossians 3:10; Romans 8:29). Christ had a servant’s heart. “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 6:24 “And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35
Thus, to be Christians, we must serve and love others.
This serving and loving applies to all Christians, both men and women. Looking at our world, we see hurt and pain everywhere, tangible results of the Fall. As Christians, we cannot fix all of these problems. Instead, through the Spirit, we can seek to eliminate some of the pain, pointing others to the One who can save and fully heal, Jesus Christ. One way that God has equipped women to deal with this pain is by making them (in general) more compassionate and sensitive than men. This is part of their being the weaker vessel. In this world, we need leaders who can help fix problems, but we also need those who will show love and compassion. Both traits are necessary.
The best way to show some ways we can serve the Lord as women is by looking at the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. She helped in ways that do not necessarily imply marriage.
First, the virtuous woman was never idle (verse 27). She was constantly doing things for her family, and ultimately, for God. She was willing to work and did much work with her hands(verse 13, 21-33). She was strong and intelligent. This virtuous woman was wise, not by the world’s standards, but by God’s. This applies to any schooling you are doing! The Lord wants us to learn things that will help us to serve Him better. In addition to being wise, the woman of Proverbs 31 made valuable contributions to her home (verses 16-17). Her eyes were open to the pain around her, and she sought to lovingly care for the poor and needy (verse 20). In verse 24, we learn that she sold her linen garments; she had a type of “small business”. In verse 26, we see that the Proverbs 31 woman was kind and wise with her words. This reveals her beautiful heart (Matthew 12:34). This is an area that we can all probably work on; I know that I can.
Thus, we see the ways in which a godly woman helped. All of us, whether young or old, single or married, can learn from her example. Her diligent, loving efforts were not in vain.
The most incredible quality, however, of the Proverbs 31 woman (and of any woman) is that she exemplified this verse:
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30
May this be the aspiration of all of us! Biblical femininity is not some system of rules or legalistic morality; it is about honoring and serving God in your role as a woman. If you are doing this, then you are practicing Biblical femininity. This is true and lasting beauty!
