A Woman of Dignity

‘A Woman of dignity is so aware of her flaws and inadequacies that she clings so much to Christ that His nature becomes hers…’

My friend's daughter Chloe at the recent Tierlantynkies Market hosted by 3ci. I am not sure who the photograper is.

I have been attending a course, "excelling as a woman” and our first evening was dedicated to the topic of dignity. What does it mean to be clothed in dignity? What does it mean to have dignity? What does it take to be a woman of dignity? I am enjoying this course tremendously and here are some of my own musings on the subject:

 

It seems like the word dignity was used jointly with the image of strength in the Old Testament.

In the New Testament, however, it seems as if the word dignity is used to emphasise our influence- the setting an example; setting a standard for others to follow. Now that Christ is our strength, it is through a posture of dignity that we as women, set an example for others to follow.

http://www.3ci.co.za/, Tierlantynkies

The root word dignity as used in scripture, translates best into the Afrikaans phrase “afdwingbare gesag”. It’s about exaltation or elevation [of authority]; a demand to be respected.

Like when the Queen of England enters a room, she demands respect without even having to say a word, so too, we need to understand that because of our position in Christ, we are royalty.

If Queen Elizabeth wore black tights, dark glasses and large golden hoop earrings- looking like a gypsy- she would still demand as much respect as if she was wearing a tiara and silver Versace dress. It’s not what she does or what she wears that makes her a respected woman, rather, it’s because of her family line.

We need to understand that our dignity (our authority) is not because of what we do or even our personalities or dress but our dignity comes from our position. Dignity is Not personality, Not perfection. We are woman of dignity because our Father is the King of Kings. He knows we are royalty and therefore that our presence (representing His authority and presence) demands respect/elevation. We need to believe this and live in this revelation! Then others will follow suit and acknowledge this authority in our lives.

Many Christian woman “camp” at the gates of salvation, not realising that they can move on into the castle- living victorious in THIS life! And so, like Aurora in the beginning of the story Sleeping Beauty, they live hidden lives with little or no effect and they have no influence because of a lack of authority.

I look at my daughter and I see how beautiful she is and how brilliant she is… I know this about her, but she needs to believe it too to walk in the fullness of it for herself. And the only way for her to start believing it as if I continue to affirm her and tell her and encourage her in this. This is what God wants to do with us… if we allow Him. When we draw close to Him and allow His Word to fill our minds… and hearts- the more we do this, the more our faith increases and the more we start to live in the revelation of our position (in Christ). [Faith comes by hearing the Word of God Rom 10:17]. In other words, read the Word, ladies, it’s THE manual for victorious living!

  

In Phillipians 3:12, Paul says “not that I have already obtained this in full (righteousness -complete sanctification- from God that depends on faith) or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own…. Forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead.” [italics added, brackets added.]

What hinders us from believing and living in the fullness of the authority God has given us as Woman of God? 

• Fear of man. We are more concerned about what the world thinks of us than what God (and our close fiends see in us). Here’s a good example: why do we care more about what a stranger thinks of our bodies (when we go to the mall) than what our husbands and friends see beyond our bodies? Crazy.
• Unbelief. We don’t really believe God has a plan to prosper us in this life (and by prosper, I don’t mean making you stinking rich so you can buy your dream house; drive your dream car. If money is your measuring stick for prosperity, then you need to stop reading this right now and go get your Bible and do a study on prosperity.)
• Our past. Experiences and rejection and hurts… Unforgiveness and guilt places a veil over our hearts and causes us to live un-influential and defeated lives.

How to overcome these hindrances?

Find scriptures and continue to renew your mind daily (by meditating/ thinking and acting accordingly)! For example, if you “suffer” from a low self esteem, find scriptures like “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” and so forth and meditate on these untill your mind has been renewed it its thinking. This is medically/ scientifically proven (for those who still question the power of the Word of God): “the brain is made up of cells called neurons. These cells have nerve endings called synapses and dendrites. Nerve endings release chemical and electrical stimuli to communicate with each other. This brain communication forms neuro-pathways in the brain and is the basis for how the brain works. When you initially learn something the pathway or connection is weak. The more frequently you think a particular thought the stronger the pathway becomes, forming an automatic habit of thinking. But the good news is that these thought patterns can be changed. With practice, your new thoughts will become your dominate thoughts replacing old patterns of thinking”.*

We are transformed by the renewal of our minds! (As stated, many hundreds of years ago, prior to any knowledge of brain pathways, in Rom 12:2.)

The greatest problem is that we don’t read the Word. We don’t invest in the Word.

We don’t believe in the POWER of the Word that can transform lives!

I have seen in my short tiny bit of experience in ministry and counselling people how they prevent themselves from living in the fullness of what Christ has for them simply because its too hard work to read the Word of God,… to mine the Word of God. It’s easier to go to people, easier to go for prayer… easier to just “cope”. (I feel like saying: WHAT THE FREAK?! Cmon, really?)

Paul says he found the secret to being content in every situation (whether poor or rich, sick or healthy, fat or skinny, inexperienced or experienced…) in every season, there is a way to be content and for us, as ladies, to be woman of dignity in every season, in every situation and it is this: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).

‘A Woman of dignity is so aware of her flaws and inadequacies
that she clings so much to Christ that His nature becomes hers…’

Cling to Christ. Read the Word. Read it out loud! Meditate on His Words. Write it down. Devote yourself to reading His Words. Make the Word of God more vital than your iphone, ipod or ipad.

The hottest trend: iRead! iSurrender. iListen. iFollow.

*Sources, apart from the Bible,

“Four postures of spiritual authority” (Gary Mayes, 2002)

 Google, (www.self-esteem-experts.com, http://www.whatisneuroplasticity.com/pathways.php)

Can unbelievers be woman of dignity? Yes, i think they can, but their dignity will be because of something else, not because of their position in Christ. Queen Elizabeth is a woman of dignity because of her heritage. Angelina Jolie (well, according to me) is a woman of dignity because of her humanitarian fame. Their dignity is truly a false humility that glorifies self- self righteousness. Their authority is not spiritual and is only applicable to one specific area. The dignity I am refering to, glorifies Christ and is not for personal gain. It results in a spiritual authority on life... and more appropriately, life into eternity.  What do you think? Mail me if you disagree or would like to add comments leybers@vodamail.co.za

Isa 66:2 "But this is the one to whom I will look (respect/ exalt) declares the LORD:  
(s)he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."

****Verses referring to dignity in the scripture: 

• Gen_49:3 "Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the firstfruits of my strength, preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.
• Job_40:10 "Adorn yourself with majesty and dignity; clothe yourself with glory and splendor.
• Pro_31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.  
• Hab_1:7 They are dreaded and fearsome; their justice and dignity go forth from themselves.  
• 1Ti_3:4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,
• 1Ti_2:2 that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
• 1Ti_3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
• 1Ti_3:11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
• Tit_2:2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.
• Tit_2:7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 

 (Just so you know, the word undignified does not occur in scripture)