We often (and rightly) warn about the pride of men. But we do not hear so much about the pride of women. And this is not because women have no pride. This is for at least two reasons: first, in many evangelical churches there is a subtle but deep commitment to not addressing the sins of women because that might make them upset. We reject that since we believe that women are sinners in need of salvation just as much as men. But second, since the glory of women is their beauty, they tend to be far more subtle in their pride. It certainly can turn into blatant and ostentatious boasting, but naturally, it tends to be far more devious and deceitful with women and girls.
Speaking of the pride of the women of Israel, the prophet Amos calls them “cows of Bashan,” crushing the poor and needy while calling for their husbands to bring them another drink (Amos 4:1). The pride of women is often covered over with beauty, with flattery, with dresses and makeup, with sweet sounding words. So how can you recognize this feminine variety of pride? Let me give you two suggestions: first, be on the lookout for a critical spirit and cattiness, whether out loud or in your head or with your friends. Biting words are like knives that stab, and they frequently come from a place of pride, feeling threatened, or a fleshly sense of competition. But Christ is your peace and your joy; Christ is your Defender and your Fortress.
Finally, watch out for vanity: obsessing over the state of your body, the state of your home, your meals, your wardrobe. Your glory is your beauty, but you must always remember that Christian beauty flows out of a gentle and quiet spirit before God, not a panicked, anxious spirit obsessed with what others think. A gentle and quiet spirit is of great price in the sight of God.
Ladies, your job is to get God’s attention first and foremost. Dress for Him, adorn for Him, be thoughtful of Him, and when you do that, you and your home will be altogether lovely, but you’ll also begin to realize that He cares about different details than you can usually see on Pinterest.
Photo by Stephan Seeber on Unsplash
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