“Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”
Acts 18:24-26
And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.
Acts 16:13-15
How women are defined by a culture affects the ways that they are permitted and encouraged to minister in their churches, homes, and communities.
We see throughout Scripture how valuable women are to God.
We see that not only does He notice us, lift us up and love us - but He equips us for good works in His kingdom!
You are an important part of His plan of redemption. You are not made simply to sit on the sidelines. We see from the two scriptures above that women were actively involved in ministry in the early Church: in the community/church (as Aquila AND Priscilla shared with Apollos), and in the home (as Lydia responded to the Gospel, brought the Gospel to her family, and later a church was started in her home that would impact many).
I’m not going to debate specific roles or titles in this blog post. I am simply going to state that you, as a woman, are important in God’s work. You are necessary. Without your contribution and gifts, the Church will not be all that God has designed it to be.
Don’t rob the Body of Christ. Step up and step out in what He has for you. If you don’t know what He has for you to do, ask Him! Search His Word, ask trusted pastors or friends. Discover your gifts, and use them.
This goes for you men, too! I don’t want you to feel left out, but I felt compelled to write to women specifically this month as there are so many wrong ideas floating around in the world today.
In summary, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord is called a child of God. Adam and Eve were both given dominion over the earth and responsibility to take care of what was entrusted to them. Women must not rule their homes, but they must build them. They are not second class citizens, neither are they goddesses. They are valuable, gifted members of the Body of Christ. Just as men are. We all need each other!
What do you think? I would love to read your thoughts.
If you are a woman, and you desire to be a more godly wife, I encourage you to check out my new devotional book, “For the Wife Who Desires to be Better.” Check it out on your favorite online retailer this weekend! It’s an easy read, but I pray that it will also be a catalyst for deep change in your life!