"So it is imperative that a girl set before her good and pure ideals, that she set her mark high. It is better to aim at the impossible than to be content with the inferior."

Discussion Questions

Explain how ideals will shape a woman's life. Describe what might happen when ideals are aimed too low.
What is the Christian pattern for the ideal woman? List the elements of the pattern.
"The best cannot be gained without effort." What are some of the areas you would like to develop in order to fulfill your ideals?
What does it does it mean to pursue something wholeheartedly? Recall and share a time when you pursued an interest in this way. How can you use that experience to model your efforts now?
Having ideals is the first step, but what must follow?

Bible Activities and Application

Consider what God's word has to say about looking ahead to the goals for your life.

Psalm 27:4
Philippians 3:13-14
Colossians 3:1-2
Hebrews 12:1-2

Why is it so easy to "become blinded by the glitter and gloss of things that are not pure gold"? What books, TV shows, magazines, music, and movies do you pay attention to? Do these images affect your image of an ideal woman?

Journal Topics

Write a reaction to the verses you looked at in the Bible Activities and application. Include what your goals are and how they connect with the ultimate goal of serving and doing God's word.
Write a description of the life you would live as a biblical "ideal woman".

The Christian ideal, it is said, has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried.
G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936)

Ideals are like stars, you will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them you will reach your destiny.
Carl Shurz (1829-1906)