Pendulum

I am writing this in the month of March (“Women’s month”) and I am receiving a wide array of information regarding the women’s movement. I saw a video recently about scholars at a particular university suggesting the abolition of the word “man”, the issue of female pastors is ever looming in the background of church life and the reality of societal behaviour in the past towards women stands evident. I am by no means a supporter of any of these women’s “liberation” movements as I see them only causing division and a complete disregard for the order God designed. However, certain realities need to be addressed and accepted on all sides of this debate. What we see now is a pendulum swing that was inevitable. Physics demands: that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

For centuries men have treated women as property to be traded, collected, abused, and ignored. This was not the instruction given by God. Anyone adhering to scripture will know that women are to be loved, respected and cared for not mistreated or ignored (Ephesians 5:25-29). The enemy of our souls initiated the original movement of this pendulum. Now without thought many professed believers are adding momentum to the inevitable reaction, the pendulum has now swung resulting in the movement we see today – women attempting to displace men from society. As women we should take heed to the words of the wise king “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands” (Proverbs 14:1).

In the eyes of Heaven men and women are equal in regard to salvation (Galatians 3:27-29). However, when dealing with societal structure God is very clear about the order of things: the man is in charge (Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11: 1-9; Ephesians 5:23). If men had behaved properly in the past treating women as Christ treats His church (Ephesians 5:25) we would not have this upset in society in which roles are being reversed and children are neglected. Each member of society would know their role and fill it gladly not feeling disenfranchised. Just as Jesus being equal with God did not feel diminished when He came to this Earth, subjected Himself to the Father and carried out His will (John 4:34; Philippians 2:3-8).

The failure of men to do the will of God is no excuse for the full rebellion we see in society today (1 Samuel 15:23). God has been notably absent from all sides of this argument. Only the feelings and rights of individuals are being expressed, no one is consulting the will of God. This is dangerous, specifically when addressing this issue within the church. The purpose of the church is, after all, to do the will of God and share His message with the world. But if our depraved sinful human feelings and perceived rights (Isaiah 64:6) take precedence, how will we be able to do the will of God? Self needs to be removed. Self-exaltation, pride and envy need to be checked. Our only motivation should be that of our Saviour and example, what would our Father in Heaven have us do (Luke 22:42).

God’s Speed