Graphic and Photo by Jennifer Shipman
Welcome to part 3 of “Rules for God’s Daughters”! If you’re just joining us, this a 6-post series based on a “copy and share” Facebook post I read recently. You can read all about that, and see the full list in “Rules for God’s Daughters: Part 1“. Today we’re checking out #11-15 of the list. To recap: This list really resonates with me as the mom of a young daughter – but it also set off some warning bells. The Bible says to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21), because one of the devil’s greatest weapons is subtle lies: things that look good or feel good but are just a little twisted from God’s truth.
The list contained a lot of really good advice! But some points are a little off from God’s standards for us as daughters (and sons!) of God. Remember – I don’t know who originally wrote this post, and this is in no way meant to condemn her (or him). I have no idea if she is a believer: from a worldly perspective, these are strong, moral pieces of advice and wisdom! As believers however, we are called to a higher wisdom.
So I challenge you again: “question everything” and hold it all up to the Bible – our only source of absolute Truth. Here are points 11-15!
11. If you’re staying more than one night, unpack your bag.
I think this is just good, solid advice. Why? Because I think getting organized and “settled in” can really help you feel at home when you’re not. Biblical references to travel usually center around the amazing fact that God will go with us wherever we go. Jesus promised that he is with us always (Matthew 18:20)! Scripture is also clear that whatever we do, wherever we go, we are to walk in God’s way. This includes being a good steward of our things and of our time. Unpacking saves time (no digging through a messed-up suitcase) and reduces stress (no digging though a messed-up suitcase… oh, did I say that already?) God also places a high value on rest! So, make your stay comfortable!
The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.
~ Psalm 121:8
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
~ Psalm 139:9-10
12. Never walk through an alley.
This is just plain practical. But the Bible is practical too: it’s full of admonition to get wisdom and avoid folly. Walking through most alleys probably invites folly, especially in today’s world.
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
~ Matthew 10:16
13. Be less sugar, more spice, and only as nice as you’re able to without compromising yourself.
God’s version: Be all sugar with the right spice, and always nice without compromising My Name.
This one’s open to a little interpretation. If “spice” means loving life and pursuing it “to the full” (God’s way) then yes! Spice it up! However, if it means putting your own wants above others – be careful. In high school, a “friend” once told me not to be so nice. To be meaner. For real. I think she meant to be more assertive. But that is not the right way to do it. It’s a daily struggle now for me to get back to the “sweet” girl I once was. It’s not that I’m a nasty woman now, but I sure have been nasty! Ask my family. It’s ugly. And the blame rests on me. My “friend” may have triggered my “change”, but I made the change. So be sugar.
And be nice always. Don’t be a doormat – but do turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:31). (That’s a hard thing to balance!) The Bible says be loving without compromising the name of God. In other words, don’t sacrifice truth on the alter of grace. We are called to love without turning from the truth of God’s word.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
~ Matthew 5:9
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
~ Romans 12:17-21
14. Can’t is a cop-out. Don’t want to is perfectly acceptable.
God’s version: Can’t is a lie – you can with Me. Don’t want to is only acceptable if it’s not My command.
This depends on what it is you “can’t” or “don’t want” to do, doesn’t it? If it isn’t something commanded by the Lord in Scripture, or something you know the Lord is speaking to you – then you have complete freedom to “not want to”. Ignoring the word of the Lord is sin. But if it’s simply “I don’t want to watch that movie right now” – or whatever – then “Don’t want to” is perfectly acceptable! As for “Can’t” – obviously there are things we are literally not capable of doing, for a variety of reasons. But again, if it’s something the Lord says to do – then you can – because he can! Don’t let “can’t” or “don’t want to” cause you to miss out on all God has for you. He has plans for you – good ones!
If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
~ John 14:15
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
~ Philippians 4:13
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
~ Jeremiah 29:11
15. Hold your heroes to a high standard. Be your own hero.
God’s version: Hold your heroes to My standard. Jesus is your hero. Be like Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learneda] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
~ Philippians 4:8-9
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
~ John 15:13
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
~ Ephesians 4:32
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
~ Galatians 2:20
Another five down! Sixteen to go. Join me next week for more.
What do you think? Leave a comment below! (Remember, be kind. It’s okay to disagree, but do it with grace. Ugly or malicious comments will not be posted.)