DIAMONDS

Leonardo Da Vinci said - “A diamond is just a lump of coal that stuck to its job.”

and Confucius said

“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.”

English author, scientist and Theologian, Thomas Browne, said -

“Rough diamonds may sometimes be mistaken for worthless pebbles.”

which reminds us of the expression - A Diamond in the Rough --- you may not see its beauty now, but beneath the rough edges is a beautiful stone of great worth...

May I take some time this morning to compare a MOM to a diamond??

The Bible does not say much about one of the world’s most treasured gemstones - the diamond --- known in the ancient days as a white moonstone. It was included in the breastplate of priests in Exouds, mentioned in the foundation of the temple of God in heaven in Revelation, and even referred to in the garments worn by Lucifer before he fell from glory.

Today, it is one of the most common symbols of FOREVER LOVE given by a man to a woman when her hand is requested in marriage.

This morning however, I want to talk about the characteristics of a diamond and how they relate to a woman… and a mother.

1. Multi Faceted

The rough diamond has not yet been cut and shaped to allow the brilliance of light to shine through it, but the greater the facets, the more magnificent the stone, and each stone and its properties, flaws and strengths determine the cuts and facets it can be given by the gem cutter.

As God shapes the lives of women, who shape the lives of children --- the many facets of their lives are places for His light to shine through!!!

Proverbs 31:10–31 NLT

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. 14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. 16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. 18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. 19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. 20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. 21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. 22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. 23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. 24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. 26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. 27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. 28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

This chapter describes a woman, a wife, a mother, a business owner, a home maker, lover and more — a women who is industrious, caring, beautiful, kind, but most of all FEARS THE LORD....

That is where the reward truly lies --- when our lives allow the light of Christ to shine through them.

Every aspect, every FACET of her life becomes a place for the Lord to be glorified in her life. The gold standard in diamond cutting is 58 facets, regardless if it is oval, cushion, round, marquise, square or emerald cut… those are the many faces of the diamond each allowing a unique perspective for light to shine.

The most beautiful of diamonds and any gemstone for that manner, are the ones that catch light and allow them to pass through, the ones that refract the light back and out. The light comes in revealing the uniqueness of the properties of that diamond.

Ladies, for those of you who allow the fear or respect of the Lord to govern all that you do, you are reflecting the light of Jesus back into the lives of your children, your spouse, your coworkers or clients, your friends. Your many facets are opportunities for Jesus to shine through you and your uniqueness to enhance the world around you.

2. Strength with Tenderness

The diamond is a unique stone with intense strength and yet is tender and delicate. Don’t confuse the diamond’s strength with hardness!

Jeremiah 17:1 NLT

1 “The sin of Judah is inscribed with an iron chisel— engraved with a diamond point on their stony hearts and on the corners of their altars.

It refers to the strength of the diamond to engrave stone!

Diamonds are used to cut concrete, brick, tile, asphalt, stone and even steel.

In order to cut a diamond, you need diamond!!!

Look at the MOM’s of this world - they can take on so much pressure on point and are able with great strength do whatever it takes to make whatever needs to happen for their families...

But don’t confuse this ability to cut through the wall of life with an inability to tender and vulnerable.

A diamond can be crushed under pressure when compressed by great weight. It is not indestructible.

Diamonds can also be burned by fire! THEY ARE CARBON -

Proverbs 31:17 NLT

17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.

Proverbs 31:25 NLT

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Twice a woman, wife, mother, is referred to as one clothed with strength - energetic and strong! Especially when describing her work and industry

and yet the care she gives for her family demonstrate her tenderness and vulnerability…

Do not underestimate the greatness of a woman who like a diamond is strong and tender at the same time!

3. Highly Valuable

The writer of Proverbs closes his praise of this woman with...

Proverbs 31:28–31 NLT

28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. 31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Worthy of being praised, blessed, recognized, honored and rewarded!!!

He is seeing the great VALUE - of a GODLY WOMAN! Who gives of herself to those in her life.

Husbands, do you value your wife and the mother of your children. Do you declare her publicly in the streets??? Kids do you stand and praise your MOM????

These women in our lives are strong and virtuous and multi faceted and more than anything they are priceless!!!

Like a diamond has great value - so do the women in your life, your wives and mothers.

They are irreplaceable and they are a gift to you from God.

All the more, the Mom who fears and respects the Lord - is to be honored.

CONCLUSION

So ladies, today, we recognize you! We stand and say you have blessed us - we honor for you for your many facets that the light of Christ has shone through you and for your strength and tenderness, you are valuable!!!

PRAY OVER ALL THE MOMS!