Lessons from Jane Austen
Average Rating: 
[4 Comments]
"Badly done, Bethany! Badly done!" I glared at my 16-year-old daughter who'd just made the dreaded mistake of asking for me to pay for yet another tank of gas in her car for the third time in two weeks.
She rolled her eyes, "Emma, right? Mom, would you stop quoting Jane Austen and let me know if you'll pay for the gas so my friends and I can go to Six Flags or not?"
I knew I'd help with gas so that my "Bunny" girl could drive her youth group to the theme park. But she didn't know this, so before yielding, I gave her a parting Austen quote: "The real evils, indeed, of [Bunny's] situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself."
"Thanks, Mom, I have great self esteem. Now can I have $45?"
Sometimes, even Jane Austen cannot help.
Reading Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, or Sense and Sensibility is a source of escape to me. The simple stewardship people exercised in those days is a lesson we can learn from today. Some say that Austen lived an austere life compared to our own. Granted, the benefits of a modern society, like indoor plumbing and efficient transportation—cannot be overrated. Yet, I think we can take notes from Austen on living a simple life where stewardship, thrift, and generosity were the valued qualities. Actually, the principles Austen exercised didn't originate in the 18th century, they go back to biblical times. We can learn stewardship lessons that have relevance in our lives today.
Dear, There's No Place Like Home. Most of Austen's novels centered around home and hearth, and the characters knew how to take care of family. First Timothy 5:8 tells us, "But if any provide not for his own, and specifically for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever." As we model generosity in front of our family, they learn the value of providing for their own family one day. Yes, there's a balance between giving too little or too much and it's all right to put conditions on where and how you choose to give. But as we ask God for wisdom, I believe he will guide our financial decisions.
Debt Isn't Good Stewardship. In Austen's day it was called "retrenching" and it was an ugly embarrassment for any respectable family to be forced to live in another location or with fewer amenities because of their excessive debt. A major part of stewardship involves staying free of debt for the specific purpose of being able to give when the need arises. If you want to spend $25 a month to adopt a child with World Vision, but your credit card minimums won't let you follow that desire, then you're a servant to that debt. Proverbs 22:7 says, "The rich rules over the poor and the borrower is servant to the lender."
Giving Until It Hurts Feels So Good. In Austen's book, Persuasion, her main character, Anne, chose to keep her appointment to visit a sick widow rather than attend a high society gathering with her family. She was chastened and ridiculed by her family for her decision to keep her word. But in giving of her time and seeing the value of charity, she chose the better thing.
Related Topics:
Encouragement, parenting, Stewardship
More from Ellie Kay:
Kyria.com | Books
Join the Kyria.com Community!
Become a member to have access to the following:
- Full access to the bimonthly Kyria digizine, each issue focusing on a spiritual discipline or theme
- 50 percent discount on all of the downloadable resources in the Kyria Store
- Hundreds of members-only articles for thoughtful, influential women
downloadable guides
Sabbath Rest in a World of Stress
Practical insights for how to live a life that honors the spirit of Sabbath-rest.
The Mentoring Series: Nancy Ortberg
Discover leadership principles from a well-known author and respected leader.Browse More Guides
back to top
Average User Rating:
Natalia
Love Jane Austen and this is a great reminder of the many reasons her books are still, as ever, relevant in this day and age. I also am a big lover of Anne of Green Gables series and find lots of wisdom there. Thanks for the great article - got to share it on facebook with my fellow Austen lovers. :)
Louise
A very good and well writen article. I love Jane Austen's books. Like others who posted here, I keep reading them over and over. There is one quote from Jane's father in P&P that I just love because it can be so easily applied to some around us today. Mr. Bennett to Elizabeth regarding Mr. Wickham as he and Lydia are leaving the Bennet home. "He is as fine a fellow as ever I saw. He simpers and smirks and makes love to us all." In other words, Wickham puts on a good front.
Jane Hoppe
Great reminder, Ellie. Like Abby, I never tire of Jane Austen's stories and examples of biblical wisdom in action. Although simple stewardship examples relate today, the quality I most admire in Austen's heroines is their honesty. Anyway, your article is a timely reminder.
Abby W.
Ellie, like you I too love to read Jane Austen's work. My family wonders how I can just keep reading the same stories over and over again, but I learn something new each time. I also agree with you that we can learn a lot from the characters in the stories. The only piece of your article I didn't completely agree with is in Persuasion I never got the feeling that Anne was really sorry for giving up on going to the family party, I always thought she was rather glad to spend the evening away from her family and their ridiculous act for the Darylmple's. And she truly enjoyed visiting Mrs. Smith. Great article nonetheless, keep enjoying all Miss Austen's great works!
Rate & Comment on this article *