Leaving Beyond – Grounded In Scripture

Biblical Womanhood in a World of Lies

Many women work outside the home. Some enjoy it; others do not. I am not writing to tap into your emotions and tell you how great you are, nor to encourage you to look within yourself to see how powerful you are. That does not help you—it can actually hurt you and your home.

I am not writing to say that if you do not work outside the home, then you are oppressed (the lies of the world), or that if you stay home and do not work outside the home, then you are a better wife and mother (the lies of many legalists).

Priorities in Marriage and Motherhood

Ladies, while it is generally preferable for mothers to be home with their children, if you work outside the home and are married with children, remember this: your first priority is your home. Work as necessary outside your home and do your job to the glory of God, but do not neglect your husband and children.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 reminds us:

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.”

Yet Colossians 3:23-24 adds the eternal perspective:

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Learning from God’s Word

You will get older and one day look back and see where you made mistakes. We all do. It is a waste of time to dwell in regret. Instead, focus on doing your best now and learning from God’s Word who you are and how to honor Him in the roles He has given you.

John Owen wrote:

“Our work and obedience are to be measured by the authority of God’s Word, not the applause of men or the approval of the world.”

The World’s Lies About Women

The world works diligently to appeal to our sinful nature and lead us away from who God says we are. Men in rebellion to God may masquerade as women. Women dissatisfied with God’s design may seek roles that are not theirs to assume. Beauty is distorted.

Ladies, the world tells us we are women, and then gives us the definition of men. They tell us we are worthless, powerless, and useless unless we take on the roles and identities of men. They hate women. They hate God.

Proverbs 31:30 reminds us:

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

True Beauty Comes from God

We do not need the world boosting our ego, telling us we do not need a man, that we can do anything a man can do and better, or using language that sets the hearts of women against men—and against God. Scripture humbles us and restores the beauty that the Fall has marred.

The more we learn who God is and who He created us to be, the more we reflect Christ—and the more the world will hate us for it (John 15:18-19).

J. C. Ryle wrote:

“True godliness in a woman is never a pursuit of fame, power, or worldly independence. It is the reflection of Christ in her home, family, and character.”

Growing in Grace and Truth

You do not have to adopt the extreme “Trad-wife” model of womanhood. Avoid extremes; be Biblical. Grow in grace and knowledge of the truth. As the Holy Spirit works in us, He changes our hearts and minds, which is then demonstrated outwardly in godly conduct.

We do not restore beauty by political means, worldly trends, or outward performance. We restore it by learning the truth of who God is and who He says we are. As we grow in grace, the Spirit restores the beauty of a godly woman.

Titus 2:3-5 instructs:

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”

Grace and Peace, y’all

Soli Deo Gloria

April J. Buchanan