Biblical Womanhood

Recently I read an amazing book called Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney which I highly recommend, and soon after completed her and her daughter's novel Girl Talk which was the same ideas conveyed to a younger audience. Through the process of reading both of these books I have come to a serious revelation, one that takes humility to admit, but must be understood, we, I included, never "achieve" biblical womanhood, it is rather a continual process in which as Christ sanctifies us we become more and more a woman of the Lord. It isn't until we enter into everlasting with Him that we will be made complete. James 1:4 reminds us that, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Just because we will never reach the peak of biblical womanhood doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for it, rather it should motivate us to live holy and annointed lives, set apart for the glory of our Heavenly Father.

After looking at a handful of verses throughout scripture the following list barely touches on the qualities of a biblical woman:
-noble character
-trustworthy
-self-controlled
-serving
-hardworking
-provider
-takes care of family
-takes care of oneself
-strong
-shows dignity
-wise
-faithful
-not lazy
-respectful
-respected...by husband, children, and others both Christians and non-Christians
-homemaker
-giving
-charitable
-takes care of home
-has respectable husband
-skilled
-crafty
-joyful
-trusts the Lord with the future
-hopes
-prays
-instructs biblically
-good family under the Lord
-fears the Lord
-gains eternal and earthly blessings
-faithful to husbands and kids
-has good kids
-servant
-does good deeds
-hospitable
-helpful
-devoted to serving the Lord
-reverent
-not compromising to the world's standards
-not of the world
-pure
-kind
-submissive
-teaching and teachable
-loves family
-not slanderous, but edifies others
-gentle and quiet spirit
-humble
(Proverbs 31:10-31, 1 Timothy 5:9-10, Titus 2:3-5, 1 Peter 3:1-6)

And of course the list could go on. You may read that and be discouraged as seeing so many things you fail at, but do not be discouraged but rather encouraged knowing that as Romans promises, He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. Continue on faithful servant, in following the Lord's leading, reading His Word, meditating on His thoughts, praying without ceasing, and desiring to glorify Him in all you do, and you will continue to mold into a woman after God's own heart...not in your own strength, but in His alone that He may receive all the glory.

So what is a biblical woman? In short she is:
A woman who fears the Lord, whose heart is motivated to and desires to serve the Lord and others, glorifying Him in everything. This woman is self-controlled in all areas, faithful, pure in deed and thought, loving, wise, teachable, instructing, hardworking, humble, family-oriented, a servant, wellkept, hospitable, giving, blameless, holy, joyful, and praised by others.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." -Proverbs 31:30