Greetings,
I believe that the body of Christ is the virtuous wife of eternal Adam, Jesus Christ. We are members of the help-mate of Christ, the help-mate of Christ in all things. Our mandate is to bring the life of God to the nations and the generations of the world. We do transactions in the earth on behalf of Jesus, our head, who has been given all authority in heaven and upon the earth. The attributes of the Proverb’s chapter 31 woman are to be attributes each of our lives as members of the body of Christ. I presented several last week. Here are the attributes presented so far as well as a few more. These are attributes of the church, the help-mate of Jesus in all things:
As leaders in the body of Christ, we must set an example in and leading others in:
- Living to do good, being secure in who we are, and living for the family name.
- Being trustworthy and knowing we have full access to all that Jesus has.
- Knowing Jesus and knowing Jesus knows us.
- Expanding the boundaries of the posterity of Jesus.
- Doing good for Jesus’ name.
- Being living examples of who Jesus is.
- In seeing ‘relationship’ as the purpose of our hands and our hands as the empowerment of ‘relationships’ in life.
- Living to embrace new things.
- Living for purpose and not comfort.
- Having a 100-year plan and seeking to change the world through generational inheritance.
- Strengthening ourselves because we live to bring salvation to people and situations around us.
Proverbs 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.
The body of Christ is the wife of Jesus. They are one flesh. The church lives for the purpose Jesus name at all times, day or night, and in every season of her life. She knows who she is, and she never stops being who she is. Her testimony is good and her light is obvious to the community around her.
Proverbs 31:19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.
A distaff was originally a short staff that held a bundle of fibers – of flax or wool, ready to be spun into yarn or thread. This Proverb’s 31 woman, the Church, is always ready to establish the testimony of relationships. She is ready to clothe others, to cover others, to love others, and to equip them. She lives to equip through relationship and for relationship.
Proverbs 31:20 She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
She cares for the poor and the needy. She sees her purpose as one that elevates others to a place of life and liberty. She makes decisions for others based upon who she is, not what they deserve (Isa. 11:1-5). She can forgive the unforgiving, love the unloving, believe in the unbelieving, and give to those who only know to take. He actions empower others to become what they could not become before.
Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet.
She keeps her household prepared for every season. She lives without fear for she knows the blood of the Lamb is enough. Mercy has triumphed over every judgment and God’s grace is the power that can change all things.
Proverbs 31:22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
She sees herself as holy and royal and dresses accordingly. It can be seen in her attitude, her demeaner, and in the way she does all things. She knows she is priestly and kingly in her character, nature, way, power, and authority.
Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
She knows who her husband is and she knows His influence in the city. The Church knows that the name of Jesus is above all other names, for all authority has been given to Him in heaven and upon the earth. She is one with Him in the force and power of His name.
Proverbs 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants.
Her influence extends to the nations and to the generations. She influences nations to become priests and kings. She lives to clothe others in the destiny of Christ.
As leaders in the body of Christ, we must set an example in and leading others in:
- Living for purpose at all times and having good testimony that is obvious to the community we live in
- Always being ready to establish the testimony of relationships
- Caring for the poor and the needy – living to give to give life others
- Living without fear and setting an example to lead others into a testimony of God’s mercy and overcoming grace
- Seeing ourselves as holy and royal and living our lives accordingly
- Making decisions for others based upon who we are, not what they deserve
- Knowing who Jesus is and knowing His influence in the city – knowing the power of His name
- Living to influence others beyond our own lives – giving them life in all things.
Food For Thought,
Ted J. Hanson
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