The power of a woman is greatly underestimated. In fact, women exert such a strong influence on society that we can get a picture of a nation’s spiritual health by looking at the spiritual health of the women in that nation. God’s plan is for women to be “holy, discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good and obedient to their own husbands” (Titus 2:4-5). But, when that plan is not obeyed a nation is destined to fall.

In Isaiah 3:16-24 we read of the corrupt nation of Judah, God’s chosen people. God had blessed His people, but they had not been faithful to Him. Isaiah, inspired by God, regarded vain and haughty women as a contributing factor to the corruption and fall of Judah. These women were supposed to be children of God. They knew God’s commandments, but apparently had little respect for them. God charged these women with being haughty, proud and arrogant. These ungodly women of Judah sought attention by the way they walked; they were condemned for their proud posture, seductive eyes and indecent dress. Their motive was to lure married and unmarried men to sin.

Isaiah tells of twenty-one items the women of Judah possessed, from anklets to head ties, perfume boxes to mirrors, and several different types of clothing. However, these items used by the women to beautify themselves were not the problem. Neither Isaiah nor Peter (1 Peter 3:1-5) condemns women for adorning themselves. God wants women to look their best and to enjoy luxurious things. But the problem comes when women, like the women of Judah, are selfish, materialistic, proud and sensuous. When women develop these characteristics, following the world with its lust and lascivious ways, untold harm can and will be done. Corrupt women make corrupt men, and corrupt men lead nations into moral decay. The problem begins when women abandon their God-given roles.

The women of Judah were similar to many women of America today. God has been so good to America. We are a free country, a country blessed with the best of material things. We have spiritual freedom and have accumulated more knowledge than any nation before us. With all these blessings, many Christian women are failing to see the inconsistency of patterning their conduct and dress after the world. This worldly influence has caused much of the problems we have in society and in our homes today. The problems are both in the world and in the Lord’s church. A return to the Bible and God’s pattern for the home is the answer for a troubled nation.

God wants Christian women to influence our nation, to be God-fearing, holy and pure. Women can strive for no higher purpose than living a faithful Christian life. Godly women produce godly nations. Let’s never underestimate the influence of a woman. Her influence can cause a nation to rise or fall. “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). — Copied

Jesus forever settles where God’s church, the kingdom on earth, should come in one’s list of values: “But seek ye first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). But when, and under what circumstances, should we do this? One is correct in saying, “All of the time and under all circumstances.” However, such an answer is too general to have much meaning for most of us. Let us ask and answer, more specifically, “When should one seek first the kingdom?”

1. When We Marry. If one is interested in serving God and going to heaven, it is only reasonable that he or she should choose a companion who will share this interest. It is one of the world’s great tragedies to see a fine, dedicate-to-Christ young person fall in love with someone who has no interest at all in spiritual things and never will. At best the faithful Christian must shoulder all the spiritual burden of the home and at worst many are drawn away by their companions and lose their souls.

2. When We Choose Our Work. If the kingdom is at the top of our list in life, we will never consider any sort of business or employment that would weaken us spiritually or tarnish our reputations.

3. When We Rear and Educate Our Children. What do we want most for our children? Do we care more about their social and physical needs than their spiritual needs? Is our driving ambition that they may be popular at all costs or faithful Christians? If we are really seeking the kingdom first we will want our children to have the education that will help preserve and strengthen their faith for many years of Christian service that will end in heaven, such as a Christian college provides.

4. When We Make Big Decisions. What is the main factor governing our big decisions, such as changing jobs, moving, etc.? How many money it means, whether we will like the climate, what the living conditions are, etc. must be considered. But for the Christian, the important question is, “Will this enable me to serve the Lord more or will it hinder me?” In any big decision we ought to pray, “Thy will be done.”

5. When We Have Financial Success. If we lay up treasures on earth we are fools. If we lavishly spend them on pleasures we are fools twice over. If the kingdom is not first financially, it is not first period!

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