Let Me Be A Woman / Elisabeth Elliot / Children / Mothers Day Series

Prayer #13 for your children:  Responsibility

Grant that my children learn responsibility beginning at a very young age, "for each one should carry his own load."  (Galatians 6:5)

===========================================

Let Me Be A Woman by Elisabeth Elliot

Chapter 13:  Whose Battle?

The "battle" Elisabeth is referring to is that of whether or not women should be ordained as ministers in the church.   Many Protestant denominations allow ordained women ministers / pastors.  There are several Jewish sects that permit women rabbis.   Most cult groups also allow this practice as well.

Women are surely capable to be ministers and of course, we are in a sense, ministers to our children and other women by the power of the Holy Spirit as it is.  The role of women in church leadership however--and by that I mean as the pastor/shepherd, elder or deacon of the flock-- seems pretty clear to me as is outlined in Scripture.   The matter of competence is not really the issue.  We are all to use our talents and gifts as God has commanded, not as we rationalize or simply intellectually determine.  Elisabeth points out that people that behave contrary to  Scripture have not asked what God has commanded.  They have not offered themselves first to Him, trusting His direction for their proper sphere of operation...We have something to respond to, something that directs and calls and holds us, and it is in obedience to the command that we will find our full freedom.   

God has not given us explicit reasons why He has commanded these things.  In today's culture men will often take a back seat and not act if the women step up and do what the men are supposed to be doing.   My challenge to women has always been:  Let the men lead as  God intends them to.     How can they lead if we do not let them?  How will our sons learn leadership if the men do not rise up to the occasion?  For the well-being of society and your own family, I firmly take the stand that men being the primary leader(s) in the church and in your home is the best way.

• But what if he makes a big mistake?  He will learn from them.  
• What if he doesn't do what you want him to do?  You may need to learn that you can't always have your way.  
• What if we suffer financially?  He won't make that mistake again and may listen to your advice more in the future.  
• What if it is sin?  Don't do it and seek help from your church, your father/brother or other godly men.  

If you are married, you are under God's umbrella of protection by allowing your husband to lead.  So, fear not and let him do so.  You will probably respect him more for trying to lead you and your family well and he in turn, will cherish and love you more for letting him lead.  That's what the Bible says to do, isn't it?