Uplifting The Standard of God: Women Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves 

with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, 

and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

2 Corinthians 10:12

Our human nature dictates so much to us that if we are not mindful of God, we will let it overtake our actions. Our human nature; our flesh, is against God.

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Galatians 5:17

But, sometimes, we just have to meet God where he is; against all odds, no matter what it feels like or what it looks like. There is an account in the bible about a woman with an issue of blood (Luke 8:43-44),  She heard about a man named Jesus who was working miracles. She didn’t let her unfortunate situation stop her from going out to meet Him. She was ready to be made whole. What stands out about this woman was because of her issue of blood she was ostracized and not allowed to have contact with anyone in her community; she wasn’t allowed to touch anyone and anyone who touched her had to go through a process of cleansing before they could re-enter the city. But against all odds, she pressed forward to meet the only one that could make her whole again. She didn’t let her pride or her fear of what others may say or do stop her.

Jesus explained to the multitude that they who embrace Him are to be the salt of the earth:

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13

Our seasoning should be so distinctive that it's very savor should attract others to taste of it. This can't be possible if our seasoning is non-distinctive from the world. When you look at the resurrection of Jesus; when He emerged on the other side of death, Mary Magdalene did not recognize Him. And so, we too, as believers and followers of Jesus, should be distinguishable from our former self.

But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16

Live a victorious life in Jesus after death to the world! 

Die to this world so you can live this life to live again.  Dispite what comes against you, what life throws at you, what man may do to you, living a life with Jesus is incomparable.

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Luke 12:4-5

We may go through some embarrassing moments, we may lose face; our pride may be wounded but only for a time; you’ll get over it, you’ll get past it. Consider that it is nothing compared with spending eternity in hell.

Let’s look at another woman in a similar situation, Bathsheba. Bathsheba was requested to visit the king for an illicit affair. She had the same option as Queen Vashti to refuse particularly since she was an Israelite and knew the standard of God. I won’t speculate why she did what she did because the bible does give any indication as to why.

My point is God’s standard was let down and the result of that was not only the death of their illegitimate son but the tragic loss of many of King David’s sons.

In this kingdom, we are not our own. When people set up their own patterns of conduct, their own denominational, religious, or cultural rules, they set up a false standard of measurement. They begin to teach as Biblical doctrine things that are nothing but commandments of men.

Jesus said of such people:  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:9

It is important to understand Biblical patterns and principles because otherwise your worship of God can be in vain.

God is not pleased when we do not uphold His standards:

In their setting of their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger.  Ezekiel 43:7-12

There are many worldly standards of measurement. There are different patterns for worldly conduct and success which women pattern themselves after. Women measure themselves by other women instead of by God's standard. The Apostle Paul wrote:

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.     2 Corinthians 10:12

Jesus was the great example by which believers are to pattern their lives:

For I (Jesus) have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.  John 13:15

The lives of men and women of God are recorded in the Bible as patterns for us to follow:

Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.   1 Corinthians 10:6

Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.   1 Corinthians 10:11

Ladies we are to be spiritual patterns.  We are to provide a positive spiritual example for other women to follow:

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.   1 Timothy 4:12

If we are to provide a positive spiritual pattern for others, then we must understand and incorporate Biblical principles into our life.

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity  Titus 2:7

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  Romans 6:13

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  Matthew 7:13-14 

God stresses the heart condition rather than the deception of outward appearance

And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.   Matthew 15:16-20

And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. Mark 7:20-23;

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.  Luke 6:45

Finally ladies, know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Allow God to strengthen and keep you no matter what you are going through. Know that God has a plan for you and the expected end of that plan is for good and not for evil. Get to know the various women in the bible; follow the pattern of the ones that held the standard of God and rid yourselves of the iniquity of the ones that did not hold on to that standard.

Biblical Studies




06/14/16
08/10/20