Three years ago I was at my sister’s and saw a devotional book she was working through entitled “Choosing Joy-a 52 Week Devotional for Discovering True Happiness” by Angela Thomas. I’d heard Angela speak at a women’s event at our church seven years ago and knew I’d love this devotional book. It’s a great book!

As I read in it again this morning, Angela told about a trauma she experienced that I’d never heard her share about before so I Googled it to see if I could learn more. I didn’t learn about that event, but discovered another treasure. At another conference, Angela spoke on the topic: “Beautiful”.

She taught about the woman who is truly beautiful and the woman who is the total opposite. She spoke about the weak-willed woman that is mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-6. These verses list characteristics of the carnal ones who are lovers of self. The scripture even says they have a form of godliness but without power. These types of people can be great seducers. Here Paul warns Timothy to have nothing to do with them.

Verse 6 says, “They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.” The Amplified version says these women are silly, weak-natured, and spiritually dwarfed. Verse 7 says they will listen to anybody who will teach them; they are forever inquiring and getting information, but are never able to arrive at a recognition and knowledge of the Truth. Included in Angela’s teaching were the characteristics that a weak-willed woman might have.

These are the ones that caught my eye:

1. She is consumed by worry and fear.
2. She is self-absorbed, caring more about what everyone thinks about her, rather than God’s thoughts.
3. She has a beaten-down countenance.
4. She harbors grudges.
5. She is easily hurt or offended.
6. She is spiritually knowledgeable but lives a lost/empty life.
7. She has a critical spirit.

As I read this list, I had to say “ouch”. There are times I struggle with these sins. It was good to see this list as it was a wake-up call to watch my heart in these areas. Today I am aware of places where I have some “heart trouble”. I will repent, I will allow the Spirit of the Living God to change my heart and mind making it more like His. I do not want to live a life of a spiritual dwarf.