A Woman of Noble Character

     In 1st and 2nd Thessalonians we are instructed not to be idle.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 we are told to "...respect those who work hard among you, who are over us in the Lord..." and to hold them in high regard in love.  Paul says to live in peace with one another and to "...warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone."  In 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Paul says to "...keep away from the brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching..."  In seeing the word, brother, we can know he is speaking about fellow followers of Christ.  They are choosing not to obey and could possibly lead you astray.  He goes on to give himself as an example in verses 7 and 8, "...We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it.  On the contrary, we worked night and day laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you..."  and then in verse 10, "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'If a man will not work, he shall not eat.' "  He gives distinction between those who are busy and those who are busybodies.  "Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat."
     What does this look like for me?  I am reminded of the Proverbs 31 woman.  A noble wife is worth more than rubies... she brings him good... she gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family... she considers a field and buys it to plant a vineyard... she works vigorously... her lamp stay on all night... she makes garments to sell... and then the verses I believe sum up everything: (Proverbs 31:27 and 30)  "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness... Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."  What a powerful description!  "I want to be that kind of wife and mother, Lord."  Proverbs 12:4 gives another strong picture of what I can be for my husband.  "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones."  
     There is a time for rest and laughter and just plain old fun!  I believe the Lord likes to have a good laugh now and then too!  However, my life is not going to please my Heavenly Father if that is what defines the majority of it.  Rest becomes laziness; laughter and fun can turn into foolishness.
     "Father God, I praise you for the holy and sacred God that you are.  I thank you for the plans you have set before me.  Lord, please be with me as I walk through my week.  Keep me from being idle.  I ask for help in becoming more and more like the Proverbs 31 woman.  Thank you for that example and instruction."