Noble Character and Pricelessness
Virtuous Woman 1×01
Introduction to the hosts Jill and Angel. Jill is a mother of two, one boy and one girl. They are in their twenties and polar opposites. She has owned her own business for 23 years and has a lot of experience under her belt. Angel has one teenaged daughter and has been working with Jill for 16 years.
Scripture reading from Proverbs 31:10- A wife of noble character who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
The definition of noble has two meanings. One being of a noble family and at first you think that doesn’t apply, but if you think about it we are children of the King of kings. We were made in His image. In fact, in Romans 8:17 it says, ‘Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ…’. The second definition is having or showing fine personal qualities or high morals. At first glance this is the most applicable, but they go hand in hand. If we are a child of the most high and most noble God, then we should also embody those characteristics.
She is worth far more than rubies which is also synonymous with pricelessness. God had perfection and he chose to create something imperfect. He loves us and gave his son for us. We are his undeserving children who are priceless to his. We don’t have anything figured out and we are all a work in progress. This life is pretty rough sometimes and sometimes we need to envision ourselves climbing into God’s lap and being held. He is there for us, to protect us, to help us, and to love us. Life is hard and sometimes we need to become childlike to rely on God.
Character can also be our reputation. Reputation is very important and it can be hard to get it back once you lose it. People need to be able to trust you. If you think about Paul, he did a complete 180 from persecuting Christians to becoming a missionary, so it is possible to change. However, once he saw the light and repented, people were still hesitant and scared of him, but God forgives, and Paul’s character was able to shine though. We need to remain faithful even when it is hard. Job for example, was thrown all the lemons in the world and he still stood firm. Reputations are important in the workplace, community, and the home.
Ruth was known as a woman of noble standing in the entire community. This is what we need to strive for. Sometimes you will encounter people who will put you down or try to cause you to stumble, but you have to brush it off and continue on the Lord’s path.
Romans 5 tells us that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Sometimes we are asked to step into rolls in the kingdom that we don’t feel we are ready for, but with study, preparation, and guidance we can do all things. God does not call the equipped, he equips the called. God work though us to accomplish His will.
You are not born with noble character. It is cultivated though study and the church.
It can be frustrating working with children because they have their own thoughts, opinions, and personalities. You need a united front as parents and strive to them well rounded and invested in the church. The little things you do in their lives form writing a note in their lunch box to tucking them in at night, it all matters. Even in the midst of battle you have to hang in there. Kids are like raptors, they always test, but they never test the same place twice. You can feel like you are constantly under attack, but if you stick with it you can make it though. Jill’s experience with her son tested her will and now he is able to see that she was fighting for him all along, not against him. She wants women to know that they need to pace themselves and stick with it. That journey is priceless.
Angel’s husband will call her priceless beyond rubies even though she struggles to accept it. However, we need to ground ourselves in what God says about us and not what we feel because emotions are powerful, yet fleeting. Anchor yourself in the Lord and His truth. You shouldn’t always trust your heart.
Jeremiah 17:9- The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?
Following your heart or feelings can take you down a destructive path. You must use the Bible as your moral compass we need to follow it and trust it. God wants us to do the right thing and we motivated to do the right thing. Hebrews 4:12 says, ‘For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.’ He knows our heart more than anyone.
You must guard your heart, especially in your marriage. We aren’t to lust after others even if it isn’t backed by action. Don’t make connections with someone of the opposite sex that isn’t your husband. The bond between husband and wife is the most sacred relationship other than that of you and God. It can be a slippery slope.
Closing verses: Hebrews 12:14 says, ‘Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.’ It’s important to remember humility isn’t about thinking less about yourself, but thinking about yourself less. You are the way people can see God, so use it!
Philippians 4:13 says, ‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.’ His standards are impossible to reach on our own. We need him to strengthen and guide us and He will help us to do whatever He calls us into.