Thursday, March 30, 2006

The Proverbs 31 Challenge Challanged

There is a blogosphere challenge going on right now, encouraging women to become more like the woman of Proverbs 31. In theory, I believe this is a wonderful idea. In practice, however, I believe it may fall a little short. If you have accepted the challenge and are following through, that's great. Don't stop on my account. What I want to make you aware of is that it is possible to go through all the motions of the challenge and not be any more virtuous than when you started. For example, one of the challenges was to see three sunrises this week. You can do that, but the act in and of itself will not make you more Christlike. When you go through these challenges, make sure you are asking yourself why it is you need to make those changes in your life. Look for the principle behind the action, then make changes in your life.  Posted by Picasa

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I fear there's a human YARDSTICK going up among these women. God is not measuring His love or ability to use them with it. Thanks for the wise words. Eileen

DonnaB said...

I agree. Sometimes we get caught up in these things and when we fall short, then our faith is damaged. Even when we are successful in completing a challenge like this, it really doesn't make us more righteous except in our own minds.

Summer said...

Hi, I'm the one who started the challenge--feel free to offer feedback on my blog too! (31women.blogspot.com).

I agree wholeheartedly that we shouldn't measure ourselves by our works or lack thereof, but have found in my own life that anytime I get up early to spend time with the Lord or make an effort to serve others I am more joyful and peaceful in the efforts of obedience. I thought the challenge would be a neat way to encourage each other, since we are told to do so in Scripture as Christian sisters and members of the body. One of my favorite challenge verses has been this one:

For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2.13

Anyway, I just thought I'd respond to your criticism and welcome you to comment on my blog as well in an effort at healthy dialogue.

CallaLilly said...

Mrs. J - thanks for your comment. Please know that it was not my intent to criticize you or your challenge but rather to make women aware of their own heart motives in accepting the challenges. I believe the challenges to be a wonderful idea.