As Christians are our lives any different to the world around us?
Where should we as Christians draw the line about how much we are in the world? How do non believers view us? Do they really know what we believe by looking at our lives? Yes we may go to Church on Sunday but is that as much as we show of our faith to those who do not share it?
More and more I (and I include myself in this!) see Christians (not all) in the Western world failing to step out in faith and share their faith with others, doing all the "Christian things" but still leading their lives as we are of the world. Getting caught up in materialism, big homes, cars, filling our minds with rubbish and so on. Paul spoke of this in Philippians.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things." Philippians 4:8. NIV.
I have been challenged to do this no more. To lead my life according to Biblical principles. So many say that the Bible is God inspired and if that is so should that not scare us into wanting to obey it wholeheartedly? God is our heavenly Father and we should want to obey and please Him in everything we do and how we lead our lives for Him. Like a child wants to please his or her earthly Father in an eager, keen, unquestioning way.
I have read and heard people interpret the Bible and what it says in such different ways and I honestly think that we cannot choose scripture we wish to adhere to and some that we don't. For example, it clearly states the following in the New Testament -
"A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve." 1 Timothy 2 11 - 13 NIV.
With scripture such as this ( and most know the above verses ideas are mentioned in other books of the Bible by Paul), we can't use the excuse that it is old Testament law. This is new testament and while we would whole heartedly embrace most of the letters in this section of the Bible and apply these principles to our Churches and lives, many don't.
I personally think that feminism has caused many female Christians to sit uneasily with these parts of the Bible. Because of scripture like above I do not believe we should have women leaders in Church, that women should pray aloud at public Church meetings. The reason is because of what the Bible teaches. I can't possibly agree with all that Paul sets out in his God inspired letters and yet miss out the bits that don't suit me. Even if I don't agree with them!
As a woman I know that we are emotional creatures. I suffer terribly with severe PMT each month and am very hormonal. This renders me inconsistent, moody and so on. Not at all compatible with the position many women would like to be in at Church. Even regarding prayer, I could not be confident I would be praying in the best way or asking for the right things if I participated in public prayer at Church. So as a woman, I am quite glad God has given me this role and not the burden the men have at Church. I embrace my God given role as a home maker, mother, serving the Lord in the home as well as outside but primarily with my children.
I confess that I don't completely understand that scripture. I know what you are saying, yet I have seen so many women who are obviously anointed by the Lord and have pointed so many to the Father. ??? I hear what you're saying though.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you today!
Beth
Collette,
ReplyDeleteI believe that if God calls a woman to stand up and preach for God then she needs to do it. Look at women like Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore. It's through women like this that can really speak to the heart of a woman!
I believe the scripture may be referring for trying to stand up and argue with a man when we should remain respectful even if we don't agree with what we are hearing. It is wrong for us to demand our way even in our own homes. This is the part of the scripture I believe this is dealing with. As a man in his home is meant to lead it, too many women are trying to rule over their homes and marriages.
This is the very reason for turmoil in the church. God is aware that when he calls a women to preach for Him and do His will, that He is perfectly aware that she is a women otherwise He would have called a man.
Just something to consider. I respect your opinions however.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Hey Kat! I listened to Joyce Meyer a lot when I first became a Christian. However, Beth Moore and Joyce Meyer teach other women. There is a difference here. Scripture says that women should not teach over men. So there is a clear difference. I agree this applies to the home but it also applies to public worship take these verses -
ReplyDelete1 Corinthians 14 Orderly worship - 33-35
"As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husband at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church." I have been taught this relates to speaking in authority over men. We are not to be mute and can sing but not to teach our men or pray aloud in public meetings.
It can be an emotive subject but I can only look to scripture when I look at this topic.
Love Collette xx