Devotional - 99-01-15 - Women's Liberation

When I was growing up in the 70's, women were being "liberated" from the "bonds" of the traditional lifestyle of women. We had "come a long way baby," because we now had our own brand of cigarettes! Modest clothing was viewed by some as restrictive. Some women left their families to "find themselves." Of course, some good things came out of that movement: We women were shown more respect, and our God-given gifts were recognized more readily.

But there was a flip side, too. We women gave away our birthrights for a bowl of pottage. (See Gen. 26:29-34) Those who sought to "find themselves" too often found their selfish pursuit of happiness to be fruitless and empty. The movement took on a strident tone that alienated non-supporters, and caused tension in families and friendships. And ironically, some feminists have found themselves in lonely prisons of their own - prisons of loneliness because "I don't need a man - I am fine on my own." Prisons of addiction. Prisons of the relentless and futile yearning for fulfillment via getting ahead on the career ladder.

We Christian women didn't need the Women's Lib movement. As soon as we trusted Christ as Savior, we became liberated. Liberated on a higher plane.

John 8:36 (NNAS) So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

Liberated from Hell, from sin. We found that the power provided by Christ is more fulfilling than the "power" of promoting our rights as women. And the true Christian faith, if lived as our Lord wants it to be lived, is very respectful of women. Our Lord turned culural laws upside down. He did the unthought of - He spoke to a Samaritan woman! He treated her like a human being worthy of interaction! In addition, there were women on His ministry team:

Mark 15:41 (NNAS) When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him; and there were many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem.

And submission is misperceived by some angry feminists (i.e. those who rail against the Promise Keeepers). Yes, the concept is misunderstood and abused by some men. But true submission and leadership, practiced as God intended, is not a shackle; it's a gift. Christlike leadership is protective, loving, respectful, and not bullying. Christianity is the best thing that ever happened in the arena of respect for women.

God provides love and respect for women:

Eph 5:25 (NNAS) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.

God provides materially for women, through the family and church:

1 Tim 5:3-4 (NNAS) Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

God gifts women:

Acts 2:18 (NIV) Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

If you have not yet received the extraordinary gift of freedom that God wants to give you - if you do not know for certain that you are spending eternity with God, write me or any webservant writer to find out more about this. Christ loves you, gave Himself for you, and yearns to set you free spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Dear Lord, help us to accept Your wonderful freedom, and to live in a manner that shows You appreciation for Your gift of salvation for us. In Jesus' name amen.

: ) Jan

jan@cfdevotionals.org
www.cfdevotionals.org