Freedom and the Godly Woman: 5 – Purpose and Image

(What is it to be a godly woman in an ungodly world? This question inspired me to invite some talented writers to contribute their responses. Shirley R. Evans, based in Manchester, is first and foremost passionate about seeing Kingdom impact in her local community. Inspired by the question, in the first part Shirley embarked on getting the gospel basis. In part 2 definitions and the role of love were explored. Part 3 celebrated the born again identity that defines freedom of the godly woman …  Part 4 saw the heart-moving exploration of what God does with the broken. In this article Shirley challenges us to look at how we reflect the image of God in today’s society … For His Name’s Sake, Shalom, C. L. J. Dryden)

Freedom 4 – Society and Reflecting the Image of God

I was born in the late 60’s, the time of the so-called sexual revolution when women’s lib was the popular theme. The Eurocentric view of beauty was peddled in new ways via colour TV images, glossy colour magazines, page 3 pin up girls and the rise of the supermodel culture.  Nowhere in any of those platforms did I see (with the very few exceptions), women who looked like me.  Oh, the struggle for self-affirmation.

But … On coming to Christ and being accepted into my eternal family.  Not only am I adopted I have been given every spiritual blessing (Eph 1:3-5). I am created in God’s image and he declared when He made man/woman that his creation was very good.  I do not have to measure up or compare myself to any other woman – I am an image bearer of my Heavenly Father. 

At this point every woman of God should be doing a praise dance.

As an image bearer of God designed to reflect His character – love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness to a world lost, struggling to work out who they are and boxed in by all sorts of man-made constructs.  (Rom 8:28, 2 Cor 5:17)

I am fearfully and wonderfully made, uniquely endowed with gifts and talents necessary for the building of God’s kingdom here on earth.   As part of this new family the good thing is that we all look alike. What do I mean by that? Well, we, all of us, reflect the glory of our heavenly father and display His character and attributes. 

Am I beautiful? Yes! That beauty is not restricted to, or defined by, mere physical attributes. I have an inner beauty created by the presence of God’s Spirit dwelling on the inside producing love, joy, peace etc reflected on the outward. In fact, recently a friend asked me why every time he saw me, I was always smiling.  He asked if I was never angry.  My response is that any feelings of anger are momentary and that the continual joy I feel inside refuses to be put out by any other transient emotion.    

Freedom 5 – Living with Purpose

I do not feel pressure to conform to the traditions or standards of man.  I know that I have been called not to conform but to transform wherever I am. “And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2a)

Freedom to know that God has given me gifts to be used to build up, lead and to teach others.  I can truthfully say that I am at my happiest when I am teaching God’s word or speaking life to those who have all but given up on life.

Freedom to know – that I was created for a purpose and for good works.

Living with God-ordained purpose, knowing that I have an expected end, is exhilarating.  I do not have to be afraid, but I can confidently trust that where God’s Spirit leads blessings follow – so I see people come to faith and accept Jesus Christ as Saviour. I see doors open which looked firmly closed. I see those who have never met me see “something” about me that leads them to trust my word, ask me to pray for them or simply give me special treatment. 

I remember an incident in a supermarket where a customer and shop assistant got into an argument over the note the customer had given and the change received.  The argument went on for a few moments and was getting quite heated before I stepped in and relayed what I had seen.  My word was not challenged or questioned and instantly the dispute was resolved.  I experienced the same in court where a friend was accused of a serious crime that could have resulted in many years in prison.  Things were not looking good as the circumstantial evidence was on the face of it compelling. I was the only character witness and through questioning and cross examination of the prosecuting barrister I watched as the tide shifted.  The jury came back with the verdict: Not Guilty.

And there’s one more thing to say on the matter … (to be concluded)

(Photo by Ricky Turner on Unsplash)

Shirley R. Evans