By Joy Jensen

Many years ago, my husband had the opportunity to share the gospel with a lady who had suffered with two bouts of cancer. Happily, this wonderful lady embraced the gospel, and was overjoyed to experience salvation. Not long after her conversion, she once again faced return of cancer, and unfortunately, it won the earthly battle. Shortly before her death, she asked to meet with my husband to plan her funeral. There were certain songs that she wanted sung and certain things she wanted said, in hopes of having one last chance of influencing her family with the gospel.

Have you ever wondered what might be said at your funeral? Will people praise you for your earthly accomplishments, the level of education that you were able to attain, or for your hobbies or collections? What things might your friends and family remember about you the most?

The closing verses of Proverbs 31, verses 27-31 are a wonderful summary of the life of a worthy woman. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the same sentiments could be said of us?

The worthy woman lived in joyful service to God, her family, and others with whom her path crossed. Her love for the Lord motivated her to live an exemplary life in service to Him. The love and dedication she had for her husband motivated her to put herself in subjection to him, and to "do him good and not evil, all the days of her life." As a result, he thought she was the best. The love she had for her children motivated her to train them in the ways of the Lord.

The worthy woman was an outstanding example in word and deed. She was submissive, she was industrious, she was a good steward, she was confident, she demonstrated self-control, she was kind, she was wise, she was organized, she was compassionate, she brought up her children to know the Lord... she was all a woman should strive to be. As a result of the worthy woman’s exemplary life, she received glowing praises from her husband, her children called her blessed, and the Lord was proud of her.

My prayer is that we will use each day to mold our lives according to the pattern God has chosen for us. When your time comes to leave this earth, what will be said about your life? What a joyous occasion it will be, if the Lord can say: