"When we do our duty, not for duty's sake, but because we believe
that God is engineering our circumstances in that way, then at the
very point of our obedience the whole superb grace of God is ours."
~ Oswald Chambers
that God is engineering our circumstances in that way, then at the
very point of our obedience the whole superb grace of God is ours."
~ Oswald Chambers
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
~ Romans 13:2 (NKJV)
I do not permit a woman to instruct, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.
~ 1 Timothy 2:12 (author)
Yesterday I waded. Today I'll go up to my neck and tackle women in authority and Christians in politics.
I served as a police officer for five years in the 80's. I also served as a "deaconess" in an elder function during the 90's in an aging church short on both male leadership and mature leadership. (I'd been following the Lord a scant 3 years when asked to serve.)
Now having better understanding of biblical principles, I consider neither position God's ideal, and don't recommend them to women. I don't believe armed combat—whether military or civilian—is the design for women by their Creator. And Paul teaches the wise principle that women not be placed in a position of instructing men what to do. (That qualified, I'll mention that I don't believe "instruction" includes the sharing of information and insight. I accept these from men who have no authority over me, and share them with men and women alike over whom I assume no authority. I try to keep a quiet spirit in doing so—unless I speak to an audience of women and turn on the preaching.)
Women are in no way inferior. Scripture emphasizes their equality to men. Though women are not to have dominion over their husbands, they are invaluable in key leadership positions. If a woman is in a position of authority, any man subordinate to her does well to respect her. Such a role hardly qualifies as immorality, nor does it undermine truths vital to salvation. God still uses His people wherever they are. The Bible simply establishes an order of men having authority over women, and life is best blessed when lived with the Lord's guidance.
One greater appreciates authority if it is seen as ordained by God. I thoroughly appreciate from police work the order inherent to authority. With rank came not superiority as a person, but the responsibility for decisions. Everyone is vital to an operation. Subordinates supply information and then obey without hesitation, or order collapses. Barring gross misconduct, they have in obedience liberty from liability—as do subordinates elsewhere.
If government is authority ordained by God, why shouldn't Christians serve there, without suffering the accusation that they fail to "separate church and state"? Where more than government does God need His light? Has He not always held rulers accountable to Himself for righteousness? If He entrusts to a Christian a position of government authority—and when Christians are entrusted with the right to vote—good stewardship exercises that trust for Him.
The Lord gives His children broad liberty to live out their faith. And His Holy Spirit draws us ever closer to His ideals, even as He guides us in that liberty, in equality, and in stewardship.
Father, I've done my best to communicate truth here according to Your Word, and as You've played it out in my life through Your Spirit. Please let my words be received with grace. Please make clear to each of us the way You'd have us live out Your Word and submit to authority.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Bless you for sharing this with us. I greatly appreciate your honesty, I admire you my sweet friend. I love you.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! Our church is starting a study of women's roles that should be equally interesting.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for stating your opinion clearly, even when being forthright is not always easy. Funny--it must be "Forthright Tuesday." :-)
Love the picture! I too have wondered about women's roles in the church. Thank you for the introspective.
ReplyDeleteGood one there.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Anne. That's all I can say: well said--and I agree with all of it.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you today. :)
Anne,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your courage to talk about these things.
From where I stand I see many women double binding the men in their lives. They want their men to be leaders in the home, resent them when they are not, but don’t allow them or give them a chance to lead.
Men can be hard working in other areas of their life, but spiritually lazy. We no longer teach our men to lead n the way Jesus would have us do so. The world sends out a lot of mixed messages
Although we know it will all work out to God’s glory, it feels like we are fighting a retreating battle in today’s society.
Christian’s in politics? If they are there to serve in a way that represents Christ, yes. However, many are serving their own purposes. There is no love in their hearts.
Peace to you Anne. I have to go now . . . my wife just asked me to clean the garage . . . :-)
"The Lord gives His children broad liberty to live out their faith. And His Holy Spirit draws us ever closer to His ideals, even as He guides us in that liberty, in equality, and in stewardship."
ReplyDelete"...at the
very point of our obedience the whole superb grace of God is ours."
~ Oswald Chambers
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is libety.
Thanks Anne, Have an awesome day.
Yes, you quoted Oswald. Dealing with this very issue. A job change might be in my husband's future. I feel strongly one way, but am surpressing my desire to shout it at every given moment. He knows how I feel. Now, yet again...I wait.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Another comment was received via email, from a woman who says she's someone "who does very much believe in 'womanly instincts' and that God made us special and to come under mens' authority, and is pleased that she only has authority over small children--which I believe to be a proper, womanly role."
ReplyDeleteDenise, thanks! I really debated using the honesty of that photo. :D
ReplyDeleteRosslyn, I am praying in this moment that your church will be open to the Holy Spirit leading in uncomfortable ways. A study of women's roles seems to end up there, no matter which end of the spectrum you begin with.
T. Anne, you've no idea how much "wondering" (praying too) I did to arrive at this place. I entered marriage thinking that as long as I didn't do what my husband forbade (he never took it to that level), I was being submissive. The damage is substantially repaired. (:P
Thanks, Shark Bait.
Gwen, may God bless you "real good" today, too. Thanks for the affirmation.
Doug, your comment brings to mind Psalm 119:96: "To all perfection I see a limit; But Your commandment is exceedingly broad."
Wendy, when I have difficulty waiting (ALWAYS!), I remind myself that God often doesn't change circumstances until He's used my circumstances to change me.
Email comment follow-up: I agree that women are special, a representative of Christ's bride for whom He longs. And I am PERFECTLY content to shun authority over men, having had more than enough of it.
Russell said,
ReplyDelete"From where I stand I see many women double binding the men in their lives. They want their men to be leaders in the home, resent them when they are not, but don’t allow them or give them a chance to lead."
I see this as a core problem of women in authority, not only because God ordained the role for men. The reversal of that role effectively emasculates men, and they're put in a position to retreat or forcefully rise above the situation--bad for all concerned.
Re: Christians in politics ... "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." True in politics, true in the business world. But the greater the power the Lord entrusts to a man, the greater his accountability before God. Jesus said, "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." (Luke 12:48)
I agree with everything you've said, Annie. And dang, you look imposing!
ReplyDeleteLove that picture of you. I'd respect your authority, that is FOR SURE!
ReplyDeleteAs to this issue, I especially appreciate your thoughts on the "sharing of information and insight." You truly do this in a quiet-spirit-sort-of-way. I appreciate how you teach and lead with a gentle spirit.
God bless you.
'Why shouldn't Christians serve there, without suffering the accusation that they fail to "separate church and state"?'
ReplyDeleteAmen! But, where are the godly men these days? Christianity is more like checking the box on a politician's nomination ticket.
And wow! You look like you belong in TJ Hooker cop show! :) Your coolness factor in my eyes just shot up! Ha!
But, seriously, I thought this post was very well thought out, direct on your views and opinion on it, without putting down others who might see differently. Such a considerate and grace-seasoned post, Anne!
Truly God created men and women unique and let us all play our small roles to fit the whole picture of what God wants to accomplish in this world! The awesome news is that we are all included in His plan! Tks Anne for your article!
ReplyDeleteBilly, "imposing" you say. Ever heard that a diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in a way that makes you look forward to the trip? Even back when I was "the law," I wasn't half bad at convincing people that they wanted to go to jail without resistance.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, more valuable to me than respect for a badge I haven't worn in nearly 20 years are your kind words about the quiet-spirit-sort-of-way that's taken that long to cultivate. Thank you!
Bonnie, I am honored at the thought I might star with Captain Kirk, and more honored that you note the grace I tried to bring to such a controversial topic. I do pray that Jesus' church might find unity amid different practices and perspective.
Bible Lover, I'm glad to share with you the role of sharing awesome news from the Bible with others.
Very well put Anne. I have seen you put these words into action repeatedly with courage,faith and hope.
ReplyDeleteAlan, you are one of the most courageous, faith-filled and hopeful men I've ever met. From you, that is highest compliment. I am blessed. Thank you.
ReplyDelete