There are so many topics that seem to divide the Church, aren’t there? Divide and conquer. This, of course, is one of the strategies of our number one enemy. If the devil can get God’s people to fight over the issues that neither get us into Heaven, nor keep us out, then he has already won the battle of weakening our influence for bringing others to Christ. We, the Church, must learn to agree on the foundational doctrines, and agree to disagree on the rest.
One such topic is where do women fit into the spreading of the Kingdom of God? As a Bible teacher, ordained by God because I certainly would not have chosen this path for my life, I have had the pleasure of leading many women’s Bible studies, retreats and workshops and always look forward to more opportunities. Yet this idea of women teachers can, sadly, get very controversial. While it is clear that Jesus chose men to lead the church, little is said about what women’s roles should be, and this leaves lots of room for human Pride to make waves, on both sides, females and males alike.
In Day 34, called “Follow Like,” the authors talk about how affirming Jesus was towards women who “…weren’t treated well in Jesus’ day…. They had few choices, held no positions, and were considered to be less valuable than men. But not to Jesus.” (p144) Jesus lifted women and granted everyone equal value and importance…yet He called each gender into differing positions. Both important and of equal value, yet each meant for a different purpose. We all have to be ok with this.
The authors add, “Jesus called twelve men, that’s just true. And He was surrounded by dedicated women whose lives had been fundamentally and radically changed by His rescue. Also true. The rest of us are supposed to follow in their footsteps because we’ve all been rescued. And since being lost without Jesus is the one thing all humans have in common regardless of gender, there’s not a lot of room left for arrogance or defensiveness or bitterness over who does what.” (pp146-147) Humility is always the key. Instead of fighting, it would be better if we would all learn to follow God’s Word and obey whatever He calls us to do.
The authors end with, “And because He is good and kind and worthy of our trust, we can stop jockeying for position and rest in His love, focus on His work, and wait for heaven to understand why He assigned certain tasks to certain people.” (p147) When we face Jesus, there will be no more arguments. In the meantime, we can get as close to that heavenly image as possible as we simply, and humbly, follow the Saints who came before us.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Peace, Diane
