Synthetic or Real?

Synthetic or Real?

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10

Isn't amazing how culturally relevant the bible remains throughout the ages? Even today, as it was back when the verse was breathed by God, it is so unusual to find a virtuous woman. As rare as rubies! It may seem like rubies aren't so rare...jewelry stores are full of them. Check out this ABC news story: (excerpt below, full store here)

You can't spot a composite with the naked eye. But under the microscope, the difference is dramatic.

The natural ruby is on the left, and the composite on the right.

See those bubbles in the composite stone? They're air bubbles trapped inside the glass material.

"There's a huge addition of glass in this particular product. And while it looks beautiful, extreme care needs to be exercised when you wear them," said professional gemologist Antoinette Matlins.

Unlike real rubies, composites are not totally stable. Lynch showed ABC News what happens when a composite is exposed to the chemicals jewelers typically use.

After 2 minutes, the chemicals start to eat away at the glass.

"If it were a regular ruby and just all ruby, nothing would happen," he said. "You could leave it in there for days."

Sure, there are many fabricated stones out there that are imitations of rubies...and some are very deceptive! To the naked eye, most of us can't tell the difference between a real ruby and a synthetic one. What a timely comparison to the "christian" women of today! There are many fabricated virtuous women out there, that from the outside have all appearances of the Proverbs 31 woman. But only God, the creator of their souls, knows if they are authentic.

A true ruby will show its authenticity when tried by the fire and chemicals. A virtuous woman will also expose her true foundation and faith when tried by the fire and stresses/conflicts in life. We are designed and designated for a purpose by our Creator. We will withstand the fire and come out authentic when we are grounded and rooted in His perfect design for us! He is the One who traded our sin for His righteousness, our heart of stone for a heart of flesh, and our weakness for His strength!

Virtuous by definition means "morally excellent". There is no other place for a Christian man or woman to find their compass for morality than in the Bible. Therefore, the prescription for our virtue, or moral excellence, is laid out for us very specifically in God's Word. A quick comparison of a virtuous woman vs. a synthetic, fabricated woman is enlightening and convicting.

 
Ruby:

Her husband trusts her

Synthetic Ruby:

Is deceitful, tells half truths to “protect” him

Ruby:

Does her husband good

Synthetic Ruby:

Looks out for her own interests, not placing her family first

Ruby:

Is busy caring for her household

  Synthetic Ruby:

Is busy running around, staying on the phone, etc. and doesn’t take care to make her home a haven

Ruby:

Is a good steward of her time

Synthetic Ruby:

Uses time frivolously and is lazy

Ruby:

Is a servant to others, the poor and the needy

Synthetic Ruby:

Is not prepared for hospitality as her own home is not in order

Is busy caring for her household

Ruby:

Her faithfulness and submission are testimony to her husband and His spiritual leadership

Synthetic Ruby

She is testimony that her husband is not the head of the home by her lack of sub- mission and i impropriety

Ruby:

Strength and dignity are her clothing and she smiles at the future

Synthetic Ruby:

She crumbles at the first sign of trial and weakens her family structure

Ruby:

She is wise and able to teach other women because of her virtue

  Synthetic Ruby:

She is known for folly, slander, and gos- sip-not for biblical living

Ruby:

Her husband and children are blessed by her godliness and desire to live for God

Synthetic Ruby:

Her family has suffered due to her synthetic godliness and they don’t desire “Christianity”

Ruby:

Her beauty radiates from her godliness and fear of the Lord

Synthetic Ruby:

Her beauty is also fabricated as her sin has blighted her face and eyes and weakened her body

Ruby:

She lives out her old age in blessing and purity as she is praised for the product of her hands and faithfulness go to God

Synthetic Ruby:

Her life is lived out in regret and loneliness from a life lived in selfish ambition and gain

(adapted from Proverbs 31: 10-31)

How many women do you see around that are authentic? I don't mean living out for all to see...those are the synthetic ones! A true ruby is working meekly and humbly for the Lord by serving her family (home and church) and by exemplifying the qualities God has prescribed for her. Her secret? Living and loving, by faith and obedience, according to His Word.

What a difference there would be in our homes and churches if women would embrace the freedom in submission, the glory in obedience, and the blessings of faithfulness!

If you desire to be a virtuous woman, God will bring examples into your life. There are some out there! Look for them and mark the difference in their lives, their husbands, their children, their service and their countenance. Study His Word concerning women and then open your eyes. You will see true rubies! They are rare, but they exist!

Ask questions:

Is there a woman that you admire for her Christ-likeness?

For her true love for God and His Word?

For the way she honors and respects her husband?

For her meekness and gentleness?

For her modesty yet femininity?

For the way she raises her children?

For the way her children respond to her and others?

May we all ask God to make us living examples of His power, grace, and strength and help us to live out His design! All for the glory of God!

"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies." They are hard to find...be the exception!

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen" Romans 11:36