Farewell for Now James
My son, James was heading to boot camp and asked for those of us who know him, and are older in the faith, to give him messages of encouragement to help him as he entered his new phase of life. After seeing my pastor’s message to James, I felt that it was too good to hide under a bushel. I’m posting it here in hopes that other young people/single adults will be able to profit from this excellent advice.
Jody’s Letter
James, you will be around the temptation constantly to have a girlfriend like the rest of the guys to help with the loneliness of the next couple of years. But instead of succumbing to the pressures of dating, I urge you to seek God and pray this Proverb for what you want out of your future wife.
An Excellent Wife
[10] An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. [11] The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. [12] She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. [13] She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. [14] She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. [15] She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. [16] She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. [17] She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. [18] She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. [19] She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. [20] She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. [21] She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. [22] She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. [23] Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. [24] She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. [25] Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. [26] She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. [27] She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. [28] Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: [29] “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” [30] Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. [31] Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:10-31 ESV)
A wife worth waiting for will have these characteristics:
She will appear not to need you
- you will be able to trust her with the management of the home
- she can figure out how to make her way without you (independent)
- she looks for ways to make your lives more prosperous for God’s purposes
because of her your stock among men will go up
- her children will respect her making your home life more peaceful
- since she is more costly than a small fortune you will have to rely on God to deliver her to you
Spend your time in expectant praise
- for who God will be bringing you through
- abstain from the desires of the flesh
- and throw yourself into becoming a man she will praise in front of others!
-Pastor Jody
James Made It Through Boot Camp; Now What?
This advice rings true even more as James prepares to become a non-commissioned officer, needing to be clear eyed and bearing responsibility for the lives of others. It will continue to be true as long as this Earth exists. Share it with your sons and encourage your daughters to restrict their choices to men who have disciplined themselves to follow this narrow path.
