7 Prettifications “To-Be” a Help-Maid

What purpose were women made for? There is no shade of gray to leave any woman lingering in bewilderment to figure that answer out on her own. The beauty of that response is found in I Corinthians 11:9 where Paul tells us “Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.” When we examine our female design, understand our call as women, and live out our created role in God’s will, others will be able to observe the purpose of our mission as man’s helper found in Genesis 2:18.  At first sight, the term helper may sound a bit “weak” directed towards women; however, I believe this is rightly understood and is leading us towards the truth that we indeed are the weaker vessel. First Peter 3:7 says “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”

So how can the weaker vessel be much help? To be a helper implies that “someone else is in charge.”[1] Second Timothy 2: 21 says “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” Women have been set apart from men and given designated roles in all seasons of life. A Christian Woman has been set apart and called by God as man’s crown of glory, and lives this out in any situation by being holy, useful, and ready for every good work. When a tea cup is selected for purchase it is presented with the correlating saucer, the supporting secondary piece. The tea cup and saucer are often then purchased together offering more value as a set than as individual pieces. In similar fashion, the man was created to bear the weight and responsibility to provide and protect, and the woman created to serve as his support presenting her availability to catch any spills, and aid his foundation. She is not simply his “sidekick or doormat”, but she looks well to the way of her husband, just as the saucer was created to help serve the service of the cup.

During the wedding season of life, preparations and details are in the air. Eager anticipation of a bride to begin a new chapter full of cheer and hospitality to bless those in her path, stirs her to follow tradition in the selection of beautiful plates for her upcoming role of servitude as a wife. Those plates are often selected in the “Fine China” section of a department store, and yes, those exquisite China plates are weak, fragile, and made from bone. It is intriguing to think that in the same manner those China plates have been created from bone, finely polished, and beautifully decorated to be used for special events the same that Eve, as a woman, was made from Adam’s rib, called to live a life worthy of God polished with wisdom and kindness, and has been attractively decorated in her unique design to help subdue and fill the earth. Sin did take place in the Garden of Eden, and as a result it included the curse of women’s desire to control men; however, we must recognize that women were “created to help, not to be the commander in chief.”[2]

To be someone else’s helper, one must understand who it is they are helping. This should lead one who identifies with Christ to be inspired by Christ’s love for why they are helping the other. The whole mission is always to reveal God’s glory. First Peter 1: 7-9 addressed to believers says “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” As the woman was created to be a helper to the man and is man’s glory, we must accept the truth that man is God’s glory. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 11:7 that “…a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God…” The man is the image of God, and the woman was created to help present the image and glory of God to the world.

7 Pretties “To-Be”

*No matter your season of life or call these charges are applicable in all situations with those in our path.

1. Be Submissive. 1Timothy 2:11, 1 Peter 3:1 and 3:5 teach us to receive instruction, hope in God, and be entirely submissive to our own husbands. Be submissive to the one, who is in charge and abstain from distraction with action or language. Be mindful to not interrupt, argue, or immediately bustle away into action about the instruction.Do receive the instruction with stillness and quietness.
2. Be Supportive. Romans 1: 11-12 demonstrates to share spiritual gifts with the other for each other’s encouragement and establishment in faith. Do find ways to encourage your husband with love and faith so much that he misses you when you are apart. Do write him a love note or note of encouragement with a trial; pray with him and for him specifically with God’s Word; be willing to make it a priority to help accomplish tasks he wants to do (i.e. send a card to someone, plan dinner with a couple, etc.)
3. Be Respectful. 1 Peter 3:2 charges women to let their observable behavior be chaste and respectful. Our behavior and conversation should be admirable, pure, honorable, modest and with observable reverence for our husband.
4. Be Trustworthy. I Corinthians 4: 1-3 tells us that stewards should be found trustworthy. A Godly woman should be found trustworthy in all aspects of life.
5. Be Shrewd. Luke 16: 1 demonstrates the reward of a manager acting shrewdly. Examine responsibilities of stewardship with resources including time, money, gas, clothing, etc.; is there anything that takes your time excessively? Are you trustworthy with household financial means for the betterment of the family, or squandering it away? Make the most of your opportunities to manage your resources with shrewdness.
6. Be Prepared. Proverbs 31:27 teaches us that the excellent wife looks well to the way of her household. Be useful by carefully observing areas of the home that may need extra attention, refinement, discarding, cleaning, stocking, etc.; be prepared for the upcoming season and be prepared to receive guests at any time. *(This is not aiming at perfection, but an attitude of enjoyment to be ready to welcome or help others )
7. Be Resourceful. Proverbs 31:11 tells us her husband trusts her, and lacks in nothing. Do examine thoughts, words, and actions, to communicate respect and trust, and ensure that your husband lacks in nothing, including white tee-shirts. 😀

[1] Rebekah Merkle, Eve in Exile (Moscow: Cannon Press, 2016), 112.

[2] Ibid., 112.