If I were to name the people I admire today, they would not be the influential voices of this world. I do not admire nor seek counsel from those who operate from this earthly realm, because we live in two different worlds. I may live physically here, but spiritually I belong to the kingdom of God. Jesus Himself said that although He lived in this world, His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). And He also said of His followers, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:16).
Those who truly understand that the kingdom has already come do not draw their wisdom from the systems of this age (Romans 12:2). Based on this spiritual reality, I choose to admire those who lived for Christ, walked under His reign, and fulfilled their kingdom assignments. These are the ones whose lives still speak (Hebrews 12:1). These are the ones whose testimonies carry the fragrance of eternity.
Mary Magdalene — A Witness of Transformation
I would choose Mary Magdalene to teach me how to turn away from the things of this world and give my life wholly to Jesus. She experienced deliverance and restoration (Luke 8:2), and her devotion teaches me how to follow Christ without hesitation, without shame, and without looking back. She remained faithful even at the cross (John 19:25) and was the first to witness the risen Lord (John 20:16–18). From her, I would learn how to remain faithful to the One who rescued me.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus — A Model of Purity and Surrender
I would choose Mary, the mother of Jesus, to teach me how to devote my life to God with purity of heart. She lived a life of listening, discerning, and yielding to the voice of God (Luke 1:38). I would ask her to show me how to hold on when the storms of life rage fiercely — how to stand without offending God, without abandoning His call, and without losing the posture of surrender. Her life teaches endurance, obedience, and unwavering trust (Luke 2:19; John 19:25–27).
Priscilla — A Teacher of the Word
I would admire Priscilla for her wisdom, her understanding of Scripture, and her ability to guide others into clarity. She and her husband Aquila helped Apollos understand the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:24–26). From her, I would learn how to study the Word deeply, how to discern truth, and how to help others identify their true calling with grace and accuracy.
Lydia — A Woman of Influence and Kingdom Investment
And then there is Lydia, the seller of purple. A woman of influence, industry, and generosity. The Lord opened her heart to receive the gospel (Acts 16:14), and she used her resources to support the work of God. I would ask her to teach me how to invest in the things of God with everything I have — my resources, my influence, my voice, and my opportunities. Her life shows that business and ministry can walk hand in hand when the heart is surrendered to God.
Conclusion
These are the people I admire — not because they were perfect, but because they lived under the authority of Jesus and fulfilled their kingdom assignments. Their stories remind me that the kingdom of God is not built on earthly influence but on obedience, devotion, and a life yielded to Christ (Philippians 2:5–8).
I also chose to focus on women in this reflection for a simple and personal reason: I am a woman learning to live my godly life as a daughter of God. While there are many men in Scripture whose lives carry profound wisdom — Paul, Peter, James, Stephen, Timothy, Titus, and many others — their journeys do not mirror mine in the same way. Looking into the lives of daughters who walked with God helps me more intimately than trying to shape myself after the journeys of men.
These women are my sisters in the faith. Their stories reflect the struggles, sacrifices, purity, devotion, and courage that speak directly to the heart of a woman pursuing God. I admire godly women of our time as well — women like Joyce Meyer, Kathryn Kuhlman, and Mother Teresa — but even they looked back to the same biblical women I admire. So I choose to learn from the original daughters whose lives were shaped directly by the presence, voice, and reign of Christ.
If I seek counsel, it will be from those whose lives echo eternity. Those who have walked with God, endured with God, and finished with God. Their testimonies strengthen my resolve to live fully for Him.
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