REAL DISCIPLES

Enduring Beauty · Week 05

Women Who Build

Influence, purpose, and responsibility

Opening question

Name a woman in your life or in history who had significant positive influence on the people around her. What made her influential — was it a platform, a title, or something else?

TEACHING

One of the greatest errors we have inherited is the idea that women in Scripture are minor characters. Background figures. Supportive extras in stories that are really about men. This is simply not true.

Women in Scripture are atmosphere setters and destiny influencers. They shape the direction of families, communities, churches, and in some cases, entire nations.

A godly woman protects her home before she decorates it.

ESTHER 4:14

"Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Esther risked her life to save her people. She did not have a platform, a title, or an army. She had character, courage, and influence in the right place at the right time.

Deborah led a nation when men were unwilling to lead. Lydia opened her home and became the financial backbone of Paul’s missionary work. Abigail’s wisdom and courage prevented David from committing murder. These women were not passive. They were active, courageous, and purposeful.

Reflect

Do you see your own life as influential? Do you see the ordinary, daily things you do — your words, your home, your relationships — as part of something significant?

Reflect

Has God been speaking to you about a particular area of purpose or responsibility in this season? What is stopping you from stepping into it?

DESTRUCTIVE PATTERNS

But Scripture also shows us the other side. Michal, David’s wife, watched her husband worship God with abandon and responded with contempt. Her contempt did not harm David’s calling — but it closed the door on her own.

Contempt, manipulation, public disrespect, and pride are not simply character flaws. They are destructive forces. They tear down what God is trying to build.

Common destructive patterns include:

  • —Contempt — looking down on a husband, father, or male authority
  • —Manipulation — using emotion, silence, or withdrawal to control outcomes
  • —Public disrespect — criticising or belittling a husband in front of others
  • —Ambition without character — wanting influence without doing the inner work

Reflect

Is there a pattern in this list you recognise in yourself? Which one is the hardest to admit?

Discuss

What is the difference between a strong woman who speaks up and a destructive woman who tears down? Where is the line, and how do you know when you have crossed it?

Reflect

Where do you feel God calling you to have influence right now — in your family, church, workplace, or community? What would stepping into that more intentionally look like?

This week’s practice

  1. 01Pray intentionally this week for three people: a family member, a leader in your church, and your husband or future husband.
  2. 02Look for one practical opportunity to use your influence for good this week — even a small act.

Personal journal

A DESTRUCTIVE PATTERN I AM WILLING TO CHANGE

AN AREA OF INFLUENCE I WANT TO GROW IN

WHAT GOD HAS BEEN SPEAKING TO ME ABOUT

MY PRAYER