In the shadow of September 11, 2001, and with the beginning of the new year, many people are resolving to be closer to God – more caring, more courageous, more interested in personal relationships, children, etc. Eager to serve others, some are asking, “What can I do?”

There is an old saying, “The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.” The import of that proverb is to focus upon the influence of women in the lives of their children, thus impacting society at large. Yet, it isn’t uncommon for mothers to feel burned-out and weary from so much child care, and home-centered work. Yet, how much nobler, braver, more courageous might we be, if we truly saw the long-term value of the work within our families, and in other spheres of activity.

Whether single, married, with-or-without children, women can make a difference to the cause of Christ. We touch the lives of others in a myriad of ways. Biblical history encourages us, by providing many examples of women of God.

Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is extolled for being a woman who was submissive to her husband (1 Pet. 3:6). Submission is an unpopular idea in the secular world – and sadly, even among some Christians. Some appeal to Ephesians 5:21, suggesting that this verse – which simply teaches the attitude of putting others first (cf. Phil. 2:1-4) – overrides all the passages concerning the subordinate role of woman (1 Tim. 2:8-15; 1 Cor. 11:1-3; 14:34). Still, Peter encourages women, “...let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious” (1 Pet. 3:4). Further, the apostle instructs that when we do good, we are the daughters of Sarah, who recognized her husband’s authority (v. 6).

What influence can such a woman have? One thing she may accomplish is the conversion of an unbelieving husband (v. 1). With beautiful character and a submissive disposition, her ways may be irresistible to the conscience of that honest heart that beholds her life daily.

The Bible tells us of many godly women. Let us briefly think about Mary, the mother of Jesus. To consider Mary is an emotionally overwhelming endeavor. The reality of her pain, when her eldest child was verbally and physically abused, and then murdered, is horrifying for any mother to contemplate. For the duration of her lifetime upon this earth, the realization that this event had a special purpose must have weighed heavy upon her heart (cf. Lk.2:19, 51).

Mary was a woman who loved the word of God and committed it to her mind and heart. Words of scripture flooded from her lips when she learned of Elizabeth’s (a kinswoman) pregnancy (Lk. 1:46-55; cf. 1 Sam. 2:1-10).

A Christian woman was once asked what she believed about a certain issue. She turned to her husband and asked, “Dear, what do we believe on that?” While we are to be submissive women, God expects from us the same studious activity that he does of men. How can we truly obey the Lord, if we do not know what we ought to believe? How can we teach others – even our own children – if we do not know what is truth?

Mary was the human instrument through whom the Savior came. Her inward beauty no doubt was precious to the Lord. She was blessed among women (Lk. 1:48).

Let us prepare to be used in God’s service by rising each day, resolved that our behavior will be more precious to God (1 Pet. 3:1-6). And may we be determined to delight in the law of the Lord, to study it, and meditate upon it day and night (Psa. 1).

May the Lord bless you with the realization that you can make a difference in the kingdom of God – as a precious woman who knows and lives his word.