Consumed with...?

Trish Ramos, who works with The Way of the Master, wrote an excellent post on a topic that probably hits home with most women. Seeing an older woman pouring over a copy of People magazine in an airplane, Trish was moved over the probable reality that this woman "wanted to be young again and was coveting the beauty of the world's most famous people."

I think struggling with self-image and coveting the beauty of those we consider more attractive than ourselves is a common temptation, even for Christian women.

I love how Trish reminds us of the brevity of life and what is truly important:

"The bible says that 'everyone at their best state is a vapor' (Psalm 39:5). Life is short. Beauty is quickly passing and so are the lusts of this world. When I’m 65--if the Lord allows me to see that age--I want to be studying the Word of God, listening to sermons, reaching the Lost, doing service for the local Church and spending my minutes, hours and days consumed with the Kingdom of God and service to the King. I don’t want to be consumed with myself or the eye candy of our age which doesn't last and will never satisfy (Prov 27: 20)...

People magazine is not to be the godly woman’s diet. The godly woman doesn't listen to the counsel of Vogue magazine. She takes no delight in reading worldly advice in Cosmopolitan and doesn't compare herself to the pictures in Glamour magazine.Rather, a woman who fears the Lord will meditate on the Word of God day and night. She will compare herself to the godly picture that is found throughout the Scriptures. She will hunger and thirst for righteousness and desire to know the one who redeemed her. That woman will be worthy of
praise."

This world will assist us at every turn if we want to be discontent, covetous, and self-seeking...but wouldn't we rather be a woman who is consumed with loving Christ and is useful to His Kingdom?

Read the complete post on Trish's blog.

God's Design for Women and the Destructive Effects of Feminism

Contrary to what you will often hear in today's society, men and women are different. Each were created with distinctive characteristics and for unique yet equally important roles for the good of society and for God's glory. Yet the message that women are constantly barraged with today is that we can (and should) pursue anything we desire; that it's possible to have and do "it all". Self-esteem, self-knowledge, and self-fulfillment are elevated to extreme proportions.

The Feminist Movement is responsible for many of these attitudes and false assumptions. How modern are these ideas, though? Where did this all stem from? And how do we clear away the clutter and focus on what, exactly, God has called us to, as women?

To answer these questions and many more about Biblical womanhood, I'm excited to point you to a critical 2 part message by John MacArthur entitled, God's Plan for Younger Women (Young meaning being of child-bearing age, or still rearing children, as per Titus 2:4-5). The message is much broader than the title suggests, however, and I recommend it to any woman or man who wants to better understand God's unique calling for women.

Just to whet your appetite a little bit, this message touches on:

• The devastating, debilitating, and destructive affects of the Feminist Movement
• The roots of the feminist agenda (This fascinating information will most likely surprise you, even if you are familiar with this subject)
• God's magnificent design for women
• The roles, responsibilities, and incredible potential of wives and mothers

Below are the links to the messages and the transcripts. I'd recommend listening first, and then reading and/or printing out the transcripts for further reflection and study.

The messages are broken up into four approximately half-hour segments and can be listened to online or downloaded.

Part 1 (1 of 2) Part 1 (2 of 2)

Part 2 (1 of 2) Part 2 (2 of 2)

There are two transcripts:

Part 1 Part 2

This is such a critical and much needed message, so I encourage you to make the time to listen! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject or on the messages themselves once you've listened.