In His Image

 By: Deborah Ross

“I want a man who loves God, is a leader, is supportive, is respectful,  obedient to God, sensitive to the Holy Spirit, patient, has a fruit-bearing life, active in the church, ...” and so on and so on goes the list of several women about their ideal guy (concerning the spiritual and “soul-ish” aspects of their ideal guy).  I’ve never seen any of my brothers’ lists of their “dream girl” but I’m sure it’s filled with several amazing qualities much like those on my ladies’ lists.  I want to pose these questions to us though ladies: do we possess the qualities that a man, looking for a wife, wants?  Fellas, are you someone a lady wants to find her? And questions for us all: Do we possess the fruit of the spirit? Are we kind, loving, gentle, patient, joyous, self-controlled, forbearing, faithful, and peaceful?  Are we seeking to be purified, sanctified, and holy? Are we active in church, obedient to God, supportive, submissive to our leaders, serving people, serving God, leading when necessary, and sensitive to the Spirit?  Do we possess the qualities that we want our mates to have?  Now don’t just try to possess these qualities just to impress Mr. or Mrs. Right but desire these qualities simply because it pleases God.  Allow him to help you develop these things because that’s his plan for your life and it brings him glory.  Be matured in the areas where you need work just because of your love for God and your desire for a closer relationship with him.  Then Mr./Mrs. Right may come along. (But even if she or he doesn’t, as you become who God wants you to be and you understand who he is you will become content in him and satisfied with his plans/desires over your own.)  Matthew 6:33 ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (SN: now the context of this scripture is talking about not worrying about having the necessities of life. God knows what you need and will supply those things.  Instead of worrying seek first his kingdom; his rule, his authority, what he’ll have you to do and his righteousness; what is acceptable to God, how you can honor him and then these “things”; that God knows you need, will be added to you.  When you seek him first and his righteousness you’re not worried about what you don’t have.  You’re focused on God and as he brings you different gifts you are appreciative of the gifts instead of idolizing them or stressing about when you’re going to get them. )

Prayer:

Daddy, the qualities we want in our future mates are things that you require of us.  You want us to be filled with the fruit of the spirit, to be pure; serving, giving… help us to be the men and women you want us to be; loving, kind, gentle, joyous, self-controlled, faithful, longsuffering, full of peace, and patient.  We want the heart motive to be this way just because it brings you glory and it fulfills your purpose for our lives.  We thank you for the gifts that come along with seeking your plan, your kingdom, and your righteousness first, above all things.  We want a heart of appreciation for the gifts but a stronger appreciation, recognition and reverential fear for you, the giver.  We praise you because you are fearfully and wonderfully made and more awesome and fulfilling than anything else in this world.  Only you can completely fulfill us so help us to seek you to fill the emptiness in our lives.  Thank you; we love you! Amen.

P.S. (shameless plug) For my sistahs out there: I’ve started a book reading club and we just started reading a book that relates to what I was saying in this devotional.  It’s called Lady in Waiting and it’s about becoming God’s best; a woman of reckless abandonment to Jesus, purity, diligence, security, faith, contentment, conviction, patience, devotion, and faith.  The link to our FB page is http://www.facebook.com/groups/133153863555103/.  Check it out for more info =)  ~Deborah