Walking in a Manner Worthy – Part 1

“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” Colossians 1:9-10

This passage of Scripture has long been a favorite of mine and is one that I have committed to memory as what is shared in it is so convicting as well as encouraging in one’s walk with the Lord. So much is contained within these few verses, and a central focus is upon walking in a manner worthy of the Lord. 

In the passage quoted above, Paul shares that he and others are having unceasing prayer for the believers in Colossae that they would walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. And when writing to the Ephesians, Paul again expressed a similar exhortation in saying: “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called . . .” (Ephesians 4:1.)

Several times in Scripture the phrase, or ones similar to it, of “walking in a manner worthy” is used. And from the two passages shared above, it is seen that walking in a manner worthy of the Lord is a significant and very important thing for believers in Christ. But what exactly does it mean? How would it be done? What would it look like? 

The passage in Colossians answers these questions for us as it continues with “to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:10b.) Let’s take a look at the first aspect mentioned:

--Pleasing Him in all respects

Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language defines ‘please’, as used in Scripture, as “to love his [God’s] character and law and perform his will, so as to become the object of his approbation.” Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon defines the Greek word that is used in Colossians 1:10 for ‘please’, areskia, as “a desire to please.” 

Areskia is derived from another Greek word, aresko, which is defined (again by Thayer’s) as “to please, to strive to please; to accommodate one’s self to the opinions, desires, [and] interests of others.”

This striving and desiring to please the Lord begins in the heart, the spirit, and then can bear fruit in our lives through our words, our actions, our thoughts, in fact, all aspects of our lives. Pleasing the Lord is also foundational to the beginning of our Christian walk.

In the book of Hebrews, it is shared that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6.) and again, “those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8.)

The verse from Hebrews is speaking of saving faith which brings one from a state of ‘lostness’ and condemnation, to one of salvation and eternal life. And the verse from Romans shows that those in the flesh (those who are not believers in Christ) cannot be pleasing to God. While both verses are speaking in regards to salvation, there is a principle that lies within them that applies to all aspects of our lives.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we are not “in the flesh” (meaning that we are not bound to its nature) as we have “the Spirit of God” (Romans 8:9) dwelling in us, but there are still aspects of the flesh that remain within us. And as the verse from Romans shows, the things of the flesh are displeasing to the Lord. 1 John 2:16 also expresses this truth: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is of the world.” 

Day by day, moment by moment, we have the choice to either walk according to the flesh, or according to the Spirit, – there is no middle ground to stand upon. And the things that are of the flesh are contrary to the word of God, while the things that are according to the Spirit are in obedience to the word of God.

So we see that first, in order to please the Lord, one must have saving faith in Him, thus becoming a born again believer in Jesus Christ. Then, in our lives as children of God, we are faced with the choice to either please our God and Savior through walking in obedience to Him, or to displease Him by walking according to our fleshly nature. 

This is a ‘battle’ that was well understood by the apostles as their writings to the church are full of exhortation to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to follow after the things of the Spirit, to strive after holiness, to seek to be obedient to the word of God, to set one’s mind on the things above, to practice diligence and perseverance, and much, much more. 

An example of this is found in a letter that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians . . .

“Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1.)

The “instruction” referred to by Paul that had been given to the Thessalonians is in reference to the Scriptures . . . the divinely inspired word of God. It is through this “instruction”, the word of God, that we can find how we are to walk and how we are to please the Lord. And as Paul exhorts here, we are to strive to excel still more in it. Never reaching a point of thinking that we have ‘arrived’, but always seeking and always pursuing a closer and more obedient walk with the Lord, seeking to “please Him in all respects” (Colossians 1:10.) 

In every single aspect of our lives we should seek to please Him . . . in our day to day life; in the words that we speak; in our relationships with family (parents, siblings, grandparents, husbands, wives, etc.), friends, other believers in Christ, and every other person that we come into contact with; in the things that we do; the books we read; the movies we watch; the attitude of our hearts; the fruit of our hands; the thoughts that we think . . . every single aspect of our lives we should earnestly desire to have be pleasing to the Lord, to be in obedience to Him.

And as always, may we follow in the steps of our perfect example, the Savior, Jesus Christ, Who said that “ ‘. . . He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him’” (John 8:29.) May this be the earnest desire and goal of our hearts to, like our Savior, always be pleasing to the Father in all things . . . “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3.)

To be continued . . .

-Posted by Sarah

Because He Lives

I know I just recently posted a hymn, but this song has been on my heart quite a bit lately (and it's one of my favorites!), and then it was sung during our church yesterday as well. The piano music was also found at a garage sale last Friday which was a blessing as I had been really wanting the music to this song for quite awhile now! 

Needless to say, with all of these circumstances, this song has been kind of at the 'forefront' so to speak. :) I hope that the words to this song will be a blessing to you as they have been to me . . .

Because He Lives

God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;

He came to love, heal and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,

And feel the pride and joy he gives;

But greater still the calm assurance:

This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river,

I'll fight life's final war with pain;

And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,

I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

Words and music by William J. Gaither

What hope and what truth these words hold! Because He lives! Life is indeed worth living because our Savior lives . . . there is no need to fear, because our Redeemer lives . . . we can look forward to each new day, because we know our loving Shepherd lives. He lives and He reigns above all else, and He is indeed our peace, our comfort, our joy, our rest, our guide, our refuge, our hope, our strength. And with each passing day of our lives here on earth, we can look forward with expectant hope to being with our wonderful Savior and Lord in heaven! What a day that will be!


-Posted by Sarah

My Jesus, As Thou Wilt!

Awhile back, I had mentioned our thrift store find of an old hymnal in which we have discovered many beautiful hymns that have been a blessing to us. Below is one that was especially so . . .

My Jesus, As Thou Wilt! 

My Jesus, as Thou wilt!

O may Thy will be mine:

Into Thy hand of love

I would my all resign.

Thro' sorrow, or thro' joy,

Conduct me as Thine own;

And help me still to say,

My Lord, Thy will be done.

My Jesus, as Thou wilt!

Tho' seen thro' many a tear,

Let not my star of hope

Grow dim or disappear.

Since Thou on earth has wept

And sorrowed oft alone,

If I must weep with Thee,

My Lord, Thy will be done.

My Jesus, as Thou wilt!

All shall be well for me;

Each changing future scene

I gladly trust with Thee.

Straight to my home above

I travel calmly on,

And sing, in life or death,

My Lord, Thy will be done.

Written by Benjamin Schmolck

-Posted by Sarah

From Proverbs

As I was reading my Bible the other morning, a particular passage in Proverbs stood out to me and it was copied down into my notebook . . . and I thought I would also share it here:

"My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; for if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:1-5

Notice all of the 'action' words that are given in these verses . . . receive . . . treasure . . . make your ear attentive . . . incline your heart . . . cry for discernment . . . lift your voice . . . seek . . . search . . . and then, as a result of these things, the fear of the Lord will be discerned and true knowledge of God will be discovered. 

These verses describe a heart bent on following hard after the Lord, on truly knowing Him as He has revealed Himself in His Word . . . someone who is like the deer that "pants after the water brooks," and who can declare "my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for the living God;" (Psalm 42:1-2a) and again "O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water" (Psalm 63:1.)

May this also be cry and earnest desire of our hearts! Above all else, seeking Christ first and seeking to have a heart as the one just described in Proverbs 2:1-5 . . . receiving God's words, treasuring His commandments, making our ears attentive to His wisdom, inclining our hearts to understanding His Word, crying for discernment and for understanding, seeking and searching for wisdom as for silver and hidden treasures . . . and then we will be able to discern what it is to truly fear the Lord and will grow in our knowledge of God.

"For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and He preserves the way of His godly ones. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course. For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will guard you, understanding will watch over you . . . (Proverbs 2:6-11)

-Posted by Sarah

A Hymn . . . .

This song has been on my heart and mind lately so I thought I would share it here. The words are a powerful reminder that, while it is sometimes all too easy to try to rely on our own strength, we always need the Lord.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Sometimes when life seems gentle and blessings flood my way,
I turn my gaze away from You and soon forget to pray. 
But when the sky grows darker and courage turns to fear, 
My anxious voice cries upward with words you long to hear. 

Lord, I need You when the sea of life is calm.
O Lord, I need You when the wind is blowing strong. 
Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees. 
Lord, I need You. Lord I need You. 

Lord, help me to remember I'm weak but You are strong.
I cannot sing apart from You, for Lord You are my song. 
Although I'm prone to wander and boast in all I do; 
Lord keep my eyes turned upward so I depend on You. 

Lord, I need You when the sea of life is calm. 
O Lord, I need You when the wind is blowing strong. 
Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees. 
Lord, I need You. Lord I need You.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


-Posted by Leah


The song is "Lord, I Need You" by Ron Hamilton
Photo by : Bruno Monginoux www.Landscape-Photo.net

The Heart of the Home

One book that has been a blessing to me is the book Homemaking by J. R. Miller, and in it there is a particular section that stood out to me in regards to home life:

". . . only the spirit of Christ in a household makes a truly Christian home . . . There are some fields of grass from which in summer days rises a sweet fragrance, although not a flower is anywhere to be seen. But when you part the tall grass and look down among its roots, there, close on the ground, hidden under the showy, waving grass, you see multitudes of small flowers, modest and lowly, yet pouring forth a delicate and delicious aroma filling all the air. There are homes in which there is nothing remarkable in the way of grandeur or elegance, yet the very atmosphere as you enter is filled with sweetness, like 'the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed.' It is the aroma of love, the love of Christ shed abroad in human hearts." (Homemaking J. R. Miller pg. 231-232)

This beautiful word picture brought the thought to mind that a house, a home, can be kept sparkly clean, have a fresh baked pie cooling on the counter, fragrant flowers adorning corners of the rooms, beautiful canned goods lining the pantry shelves, colorful afghans, quilts and other homemade items decorating the home, and it can look like a picture perfect house out of a magazine. . . but if Christ, His Word and a heart after Him is absent, what is all this worth? 

In the scope of what truly matters eternally, it really is worth nothing. It may be beautiful to the human eye, but without the foundation and the fragrance of Christ which lasts and endures, all of this is naught but like the grass that fades and the flower that falls off (1 Peter 1:24.)

This is a good reminder that in the midst of being busy around our homes and striving to help make them a haven for our families, to not forget about what the foundation of the home needs to be . . . that is, centered around the Lord and His Word. May we never forget where the focus of our hearts, our minds and our actions should be placed; as the apostle Paul exhorts: "set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth" (Colossians 3:2.) 

As we seek to set our minds and hearts on the heavenly things, the things of the Lord, may our homes truly become a place of refuge and peace for our dear families; a place of refreshment, strengthening and fellowship in the Lord; and when others come to our home, may they not see so much the physical, but may they truly see and recognize that Christ is the foundation, the fragrance, of the home.

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing . . ." (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)

-Posted by Sarah

From the Archives: Submission - Part 4: The Attitude of the Heart

In this fourth and last post on submission, we will be taking a look at what the attitude of our hearts should be when submitting. The definition ascribed to the word “submitting” by Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language gives a clear description of the heart attitude. Summarized, it states:

Submission is cheerfully yielding one’s will to the will and authority of another accompanied by humble and suppliant behavior without murmuring.

Two different aspects seem to especially stand out: one, that we are to submit cheerfully, and secondly, without murmuring . . .

Cheerfully

“In a cheerful manner; with alacrity or willingness; readily; with life, animation or good spirits.”*

How convicting this definition is! By it, we see that when we submit it is to be with joy, willingness, and in a cheerful manner (the opposite of this would be grudgingly with a negative or angry heart.) This type of true cheerfulness and joy comes from abiding in the Lord and walking in obedience to Him as Christ instructed:

“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” (John 15:8-11)

It is not our joy, but His joy shining through us as we submit to our fathers (or husbands) in obedience to our Lord. When thinking of how this cheerfulness and joy would be expressed in our lives, what comes to mind is a smile on the face, a quickness and readiness to fulfill whatever was directed (or whatever we know that he would desire), and a willing heart that is seeking to submit and serve the one whom the Lord has placed over us.

Several verses from Proverbs came to mind while writing this that seemed to relate rather well: 

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:13).

“A wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” (Proverbs 14:1)

“It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and vexing woman.” (Proverbs 21:19)

By having a cheerful heart of submission, by not being contentious and vexing, and by building instead of tearing, our Lord will be glorified. The choice is ours to make – will we be ones who build up or tear down? Will we respond with contentiousness and vexation? Or with cheerfulness, love and joy?

Without Murmuring

Murmuring is: “uttering complaints in a low voice or sullen manner; grumbling; complaining”*

Complain is: “to utter expressions of resentment; to murmur; to find fault”*

I am sure that we all have been guilty of these two things at least at some point in our lives! Due to the sin nature of man, complaining and murmuring is a natural part of us. Paul, recognizing this, exhorted for followers of Christ to “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14.) This is what we are to strive for . . . to do “all things” (including submitting) without grumbling or disputing.

Before we can overcome feelings such as these, though, we need to know the root cause of them. For how can we get rid of a noxious weed, without removing the root? It is the same with the negative attributes in our own lives. We need to discover the “root” of the problem so that we can work to remove it. 

So what is the root of a complaining and murmuring heart? It comes from selfishness, and in part, also a lack of trust in the Lord. Selfishness in that we are looking to satisfy our own wants and desires instead of following the exhortation in Philippians to “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;” (Philippians 2:3.) 

This chapter continues with the instruction to have the same attitude as did Christ who being God, humbled Himself to become a man even to the point of dying on the cross as "the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." (1 John 2:2.) For He who knew no sin was made “to be sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21) that those who believe in Him might have “life in His name” (John 20:31.)

And we are to follow His example of humility; we are to “follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21.) We are to submit to our fathers (or husbands) in the same way that Christ submitted to the will of the Father. Cheerfully, willingly, completely and with readiness.

Another aspect that builds the foundation of a cheerful and non-murmuring heart is a resolute trust in the Lord. In His Word, God has given many promises, one of which is that:

“. . . we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

It is with promises such as this that we can have joy in our circumstances; that we can respond with cheerfulness and love when submitting to our fathers (or husbands.) For the Lord is not a God who is far off, but a God who is near and who has promised to be our help and stronghold as we place our trust in Him. May each one of us rest on His promises relying on Him to give us the strength to submit cheerfully and willingly.

So the next time our fathers (or husbands) request or express their desire for something (such as the things mentioned in Part 3), let’s put a smile on our lips, a song of joy in our hearts, quick and willing hands ready to serve and bless, and a heart ready and willing to follow. Let us, as ladies striving to be obedient to the Lord, adorn ourselves with ornaments of great price that are precious to the Lord . . . let us adorn ourselves, as did the holy women of old, with the beautiful quality of submission.

“In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external – braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.” (1 Peter 3:1-6)

“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything . . .” (Ephesians 5:22-24)

*All definitions taken from Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language

**I would like to mention again that this series is in no way complete as there are several aspects of this area of submission that I do not yet fully understand, but I hope and pray that what was shared here was a blessing to you!

-Posted by Sarah

A Few Verses from Psalms

"Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness . . . Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name . . ." Psalm 33:18, 20-21

"O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! . . . The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned." Psalm 34: 8 and 22

-Posted by Sarah

From the Archives . . . Submission - Part 2: What is it?

Through examining Scripture, we have already determined that submission is something that should be a part of a godly woman’s character. We have also seen who the submissive heart should be directed to . . . fathers if we are unmarried and husbands if we are married.

But what is submission?

The word “submit” as used in Scripture is taken from the Greek word “hupotasso” which means to subordinate; to obey. This word (and its derivatives) is used in reference to relationships such as:

--Believers in subjection to governmental authorities

--Believers in subjection to each other

--Believers in subjection to Christ and God the Father

--Children in subjection to their parents

--Young men to elders

And as used in this discussion:

--Women learning with all submissiveness

--Wives in subjection to husbands (which is also applicable to the daughter-father relationship as was seen in the earlier post on this topic.)

Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament furthers the definition of "submit" by defining it as: “to subject one’s self, to obey; to submit to one’s control; to yield to one’s admonition or advice . . . obey, be subject.”

All of these give a fairly good understanding of what submission is, but when looking up this word (and others similar to it) in Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, I was blessed and convicted by several of the definitions. To summarize, submission is cheerfully yielding one’s will to the will and authority of another accompanied by humble and suppliant behavior without murmuring.

Yielding the Will

This is the heart of submission, a yielding of one’s will. Within that will are our desires, plans, ideas, likes, dislikes, goals and other such things. We have this idea that these things are ‘ours’, but we must remember, when we repented of our sins and gave ourselves over to Jesus Christ believing in His name, we surrendered all of our rights. We are not our own . . .

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Because of the beautiful and incomprehensible purchase of ourselves by God through the precious blood of Jesus Christ, we have no rights for they have been relinquished. We are the Lord’s and are to give ourselves for His glory. That should be our heart’s longing and calling to bring glory to His name by living in obedience to Him. It is not our will that we are seeking to satisfy and follow, but the will of the Lord.

In 1 Peter, it is written “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). We have been called to follow Christ and the example that He set for us. When examining the life of Christ, the direction we are to follow is shown to be expressly clear when He declares:

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 6:38; there are similar verses in John 4:34 and 5:30)

Christ’s whole purpose was to do the will of the Father . . . and so should ours be. So the heart of submission is seen to be a surrendering of our will to do the will of the Father, and then in turn, surrendering it to those whom the Lord has placed in authority over us.

Once we recognize that we are not our own and we have no rights, submission to another comes much more easily. We are no longer fighting to satisfy our own wants and desires, but we are seeking something higher . . . to please the Lord and lovingly submit to and honor the man who is our head. And through submitting to and following the leadership of the men whom the Lord has placed in authority over us, we are in actuality submitting to the Lord.

Examples in Scripture - Esther

There are many practical examples that can be given to illustrate how submission is to be lived out in our lives, and Scripture gives just that. Through reading and studying the accounts of the women who have come before us, there is much that can be learned as Paul in writing to the Romans shares: “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction,” (Romans 14:4a).

An example of this very topic of discussion was found one morning a few weeks ago as I was reading in the book of Esther regarding Esther’s relationship with Mordecai, the man who had taken her in and raised her when her parents had died. Esther had just been taken captive and brought to King Ahasuerus’s harem, when the first indication of her heart in this area is shown:

“Esther did not make known her people or her kindred, for Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make them known.” (Esther 2:10)

Here, it is seen that Esther was following the counsel and guidance of the man who was in authority over her. She did not question his direction, seek to circumvent it, nor to outright oppose it . . . she simply followed. Her heart of submission is even further expressed in verse 20 of the same chapter:

“. . . for Esther did what Mordecai told her as she had done when under his care.” (Esther 2:20)

Despite the frightening and difficult circumstances Esther found herself faced with, she continued to respect and submit to Mordecai just as she had when directly under his care. Her deeply founded heart of submission eventually brought her into the King’s court at the very real risk of her life. 

The circumstances that follow are well known—they are basically summarized with Mordecai’s wise instruction, followed by Esther’s submissive obedience.* And this is what brought about the preservation of the lives of many, many people as well as the Jews’ victory over their enemies.

Submission is truly a beautiful attribute of a godly woman . . . a beautiful attribute that we are commanded by God to adorn ourselves with. Much as we may wish it to be, it is not something that just happens instantly. It is grown by dying to self instance by instance and day by day. It is a continual submitting and yielding of the will and desires to our Lord, and then to our fathers or husbands. 

Having a submissive heart is not easy (in fact, it can be very difficult), but as we submit to and yield our will to those whom the Lord has placed as head over us, we will be pleasing in His sight. Remember, just as Christ submitted to the Father, so should we submit to our fathers or husbands . . . cheerfully, humbly, and with love. What joy it must bring to the Lord when women love Him and serve Him within the bounds and guidelines that He has established!

*It is important to note that Esther’s obedience to Mordecai’s instruction does not conflict with the headship or authority of her husband (this is for many reasons; for example, the king had not forbidden Esther from coming into his presence; also, through Esther's words to the king, we see that her heart was humble and submissive before him.)

-Posted by Sarah

From the Archives . . . Submission - Part 1: Why?

As I thought and prayed about what to study and write about next, the Lord kept impressing on my heart the area of submission. And not only that, but for me to also once again reexamine my own life and to seek to continue to grow in this area even more. With that thought in mind, I thought it might be beneficial to revisit a series of articles again (which were originally posted in November/December of last year) in hopes that they will be a blessing and encouragement as we seek to grow in obedience to the Lord by practicing godly submission . . .

In Scripture, there is a specific command given numerous times to women that is not often spoken of, and even less, lived out in the true meaning of the word in the Christian culture of today. Within this specific command, there is a great promise, and by obeying it, wonderful things can come forth. This command is for women to submit to the men whom the Lord has placed in authority and headship over them.

As mentioned, this attribute is spoken of several times in Scripture, but perhaps one of the most beautiful passages that teach it is in 1 Peter (another is found in Ephesians 5:22-33):

“In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external – braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.” (1 Peter 3:1-6; submission of the wives to their husbands is also taught in Colossians 3:18 and Titus 2:5)

While this passage is directed to wives, the application of it is just as true for us who are not married. In 1 Timothy 2:11-14, it is shown that submission is for all women:

“A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived fell into transgression.” (1 Timothy 2:11-14)

In the book of Numbers, the authority and headship of both the husband over the wife and the father over his unmarried daughter are seen. The passage is rather lengthy so it will not be shared here, but I encourage you to read Numbers 30:3-15. 

These verses basically state that if a daughter or a wife makes a vow to the Lord, the vow can either be upheld or negated by the father or the husband; thus showing the authority of the man over the woman. (It is interesting to note, that no other relationship is mentioned in this passage save for the father/daughter and husband/wife relationships [the former being a direct precursor to the latter]).

1 Corinthians 11 illustrates the different roles that the Lord has distinctly established for men and women:

“But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3)

God has set in place an order of headship and authority of: God the head of Christ, Christ the head of man, and man the head of woman. Christ Himself submitted to the will of the Father; so should we, as women, submit to our head which is the man.

This order, of man as head over woman, was created at the beginning of time in the Garden of Eden: “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [or helpmeet] suitable for him.’” As we know, the account continues with Eve being fashioned from Adam’s rib—taken from the man and brought to the man as a helper. Not as a leader or a co-equal, but as someone who would aid Adam in his endeavors and the calling that the Lord had given to him.

The commands and order of headship (as well as the specific roles of men and women) established and given by God can be difficult for us to understand, and/or they may even be something that our heart rebels at, or perhaps, passively resists. 

There has been (and no doubt will continue to be!) much debating, discussion and argument against the scriptural teaching of submission . . . it is often said: “But it is cultural!”, “We are all supposed to submit to each other (Ephesians 5:21)”, “This is degrading to the woman!” 

Regardless, and despite the arguments against it, in His word, God has commanded woman (and not just once, but a multitude of times) to submit to the man that He has placed in authority and headship over her, and we are to obey Him. If we choose not to obey, regardless of our argument, we are walking contrary to the very commands of God and by that disobedience, are indicating a lack of love for Him. 1 John 5:3 states:

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)

And again in the book of John:

“If you love Me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15)

(Note, this does not indicate that we must be perfect in order to love the Lord; the Greek word used for ‘keep’ in the above verses is tereo which means: to guard, to hold fast, to attend to carefully, to observe, etc.; none of which indicate perfection in obedience.)

As women who love the Lord and desire to be obedient to Him, we should be striving to be submissive to those who are in authority over us; namely our fathers if we are unmarried, or our husbands if we are married. For this is pleasing to God and brings Him glory as we seek to follow His commands to have hearts adorned with the beautiful quality of submission.


Coming soon . . . Submission – Part 2: What is it?


This topic of submission is one that is so very broad and deep . . . and it is an area that I am continually learning more about and seeking to develop more in my own life. I have striven to (and continue to!) develop a scriptural understanding of submission, but being a young, unmarried woman, my experience in this area of submission is relatively small, and is not without the potential for misunderstanding and misapplication. With that, I would like to ask those of you who are older, if the Lord should lead, for you to share your understanding of this vital area. Much can be gleaned from the experience and wisdom of you older women!

Also, as an unmarried woman, the focus of this writing is for women in general and not specifically to wives, thus many passages such as Ephesians 5:22-33 will not be specifically expounded upon, but I encourage each one of you to read and examine this passage and others similar to it. And as this area of submission is so vast, what will be shared in this small series will in no way be complete, but my hope and prayer is that it will stir thought and convict the heart to scripturally examine this area of submission.



-Posted by Sarah

A Few Verses to Share . . .

When reading my Bible yesterday morning, a couple of verses stood out to me and spoke to my heart. These are some of my favorite verses and no matter how many times I read them, they never cease to convict me!

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:1-2.)

May each and every one of us truly seek to present ourselves fully and completely to the Lord as a living and holy sacrifice to Him! And may we seek to not be conformed to this world, but to set our hearts and minds on the things above, walking in His ways and for His glory.

-Posted by Sarah

"A Charge to Keep I Have"

At a thrift store recently, we came across a hymnal that was published in the 1920's. In it we found many beautiful, old hymns that we had never before heard of, and I hope to share some of these songs over the coming months. 

The one below is one that had a portion of it quoted in a book that I had read, and I had hoped to find the rest of the words and the music to it someday. How surprised and happy I was to find it in the hymnal! The words were convicting as well as encouraging to my heart, and I hope that they are a blessing to you as well . . .

A Charge to Keep I Have

A charge to keep I have,

A God to glorify,

Who gave His Son my soul to save,

And fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,

My calling to fulfill,

O may it all my pow'rs engage

To do my Master's will.

Arm me with jealous care,

As in Thy sight to live,

And O Thy servant, Lord prepare

A strict account to give.

Help me to watch and pray,

And on Thy grace rely,

Assured Thou'lt not my trust betray,

Nor shall I ever die.

Written by: Charles Wesley

-Posted by Sarah

Forbearance in Love

This is an area that the Lord has been impressing on my heart as of late which led to examining forbearance more closely. There are so many little things that can arise to negatively provoke us on a daily basis . . . comments made, instances that occur, someone interrupting or ignoring us, slights made against us (whether real or perceived) and the list goes on. 

There are also more significant issues that are true trials and dark valleys to undergo. And all of these can be met with frustration, anger, or hurt; or, they can be responded to with forbearance.

The more I studied ‘forbearance’, the more I discovered the beauty and great blessing of this attribute. As well as the humility that must be in place in order to cultivate it in one’s heart, and the love from the Father that must be burning strong in our hearts to be able to have it become a part of who we are.

Forbearance (translated from the Greek word anecho) is not often directly spoken of in Scripture, but the few passages that do speak of it are powerful. One of these is found in Ephesians 4 . . .

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance [anecho—forbearance] for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3.)

Several important points can be gleaned in this passage. One is that showing forbearance, having it as the attitude of our heart, is to walk in a manner that is worthy of our calling, a manner that is pleasing to the Lord. We can understand then, that if the opposite of forbearance is expressed, it would be displeasing to the Lord, and not worthy of the glorious calling that He has given to us.

But what does the Greek word anecho mean specifically? According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, it has the meaning of “To hold oneself up against, i.e. put up with: - bear with, endure, forbear, suffer.” 

Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language defines ‘forbearance’ as: “The exercise of patience; long suffering; indulgence towards those who injure us; lenity; delay of resentment or punishment.” And lenity is defined as “mildness of temper; softness; tenderness; mercy.”

How convicting are these definitions! When cutting remarks are made to us; when insensitive or unkind words are spoken; when we are ignored; when we receive ill-treatment; when hurtful things are done to us; how should we respond? With patience, long-suffering, tenderness, and mercy. What a beautiful response this would be! A response that would bring glory to the Lord and would be worthy of the calling He has given us! 

Yet how often does such a response spring in our hearts? Our natural man would respond in anger, frustration, bitterness, self-pity, or other similar things. Yet these can be conquered through the power of the Holy Spirit. God, through Christ, has given us the ability to have victory over sin and to walk in obedience to Him. 

But to have this victory, we must submit our hearts to Him and “do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness of God” (Romans 6:13.) As we submit our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s leading, He will guide us and direct us; He will be our strength to have victory over sin.

There is another passage in Scripture that gives a similar exhortation to what was found in Ephesians 4 about forbearance . . .

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with [anecho] one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity” (Colossians 3:12-14.)

In this verse, we find that forgiveness is closely linked with forbearance. For how could one truly express forbearance from the heart if feelings of ill-will, anger, bitterness or the like remain in one's heart toward the other? While outward actions may persist for a time, eventually the true heart of a person will shine forth. 

One may be able to have the appearance of patient endurance, of forbearing in love, for a time, but if the heart is not in line with these, eventually failure will come and the true heart will be shown. We cannot practice something that is first not a part of who we are, that is not an outpouring of what our heart is. For “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). 

What is in our hearts will be expressed in our actions, our words and our attitudes. Even if we give the appearance of forbearing without it first being established in our heart, it will have an emptiness and lack of authenticity that can often be felt or noticed by others; and more importantly, such superficial forbearance is not pleasing in the eyes of the Lord.

Genuine forbearance, however, must first have taken root in the heart, before it can be expressed in our lives to others. But how would this forbearance spring up in our hearts? How do we cultivate it and make it a part of who we are? 

If we go back to the verse from Ephesians, we find that the forbearance is to be “in love.” Love must be the causing factor of forbearance. If true, Christ-like love is what is in our hearts towards others, then there will be fertile ground for forbearance to grow. And as we find in 1 Corinthians 13, “love bears all things . . . endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).

In the book of 1 John, we find some wonderful and convicting words of encouragement about godly and true love. We find that this love is from God, it has no other source (1 John 7-8, 16); because God so loved us, we are to love one another (1 John 4:11); when we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12); we know that He abides in us because He has given us of His Spirit (1 John 4:13)

We know that by abiding in love, we abide in God, and God abides in us (1 John 4:16); through the abiding, love is perfected with us (1 John 4:17); we love, because He first loved us (1 John 4:19); and “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also” (1 John 4:20-21).

Love, true love from God, will arise in our hearts as we abide in Christ. And through that love, forbearance will grow and bear fruit as well. The source for both is Christ, and He will not disappoint or fail to provide the strength and means to do these things. 

So let us abide . . . let us abide in Christ, letting His love grow in our hearts. Let us seek to love even the most difficult of the ones around us. Let us set our minds on higher things, the things of the Lord and pleasing Him, instead of ourselves. Let us strive after and earnestly long for having a forbearance and a love that “endures all things.”

-Posted by Sarah