Feminism may be fashionable in our modern culture, but God’s liberating pattern for Christ-centered femininity is more counter-cultural and powerful than anything our society may proclaim. This week, Leslie unpacks what God’s Word says about bravehearted womanhood with examples of inspiring ladies in biblical history Together we’ll discover how, ultimately, it is our position in Christ that clarifies gender confusion, determines our identity, and settles our value.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
As set apart women, we are not called to be feminists. Instead, we are called to be Christians. In today’s episode, we’re going to unpack how it is our identity in Christ that we must doggedly pursue and promote with our words and our actions. In today’s world, it does not take long to realize that the modern feminist agenda is not God’s agenda. The question that we often ask is: how do we become free from oppressive human ideas and embrace God’s life-giving pattern for femininity?
Let’s take a look at a few examples from God’s Word that encapsulate true femininity beautifully!
- Esther — instead of using her power to manipulate others, she turned to God and relied on His empowerment and help.
- Ruth — an outcast with no money opportunities, or respect when she accompanied her mother-in-law to a foreign land. It wasn’t manipulative feminine tactics that won Boaz’s heart but surrender.
- Abigail — in trial she didn’t yield to panic, but used wisdom to appeal to King David and brought sanity to an out of control situation.
Each of these women took bold, counter-cultural steps against oppression that had history-changing outcomes — but in each case, they did not stem from a selfish, fleshly attitude but a heart-motive of surrender. They trusted in God and not in themselves … and the lives of countless others were changed as a result.
In our own situations, we too are faced with the decision to lean on our own strength or yield to invite God to powerfully work through us and strengthen us with His might.
Many Christians ask the question, “What is a woman’s role in the home, church, society, etc.?” This is a very debatable topic, but it is secondary to the most important question of all, which is: what is our position? Or, what is our position in the heavenly realm and in God’s eyes?
Taking our position in Christ is the secret to a Christianity that works and the secret to womanhood that works. When we operate out of our position in Christ, we are able to be freed from oppressive ideas, fleshly notions, and selfish whims and able to radiate the love and life of Jesus. It is an amazing fact that we will never know who we are as women until we know who He is … and what our position is in Him.
When we know who we are in Christ, we won’t be clawing for our own rights, confused about our identity, despise our gender, or become obsessed with the dos and don’ts of womanhood. Instead we will be lovingly led by Him one step of obedience at a time. Taking our position in Christ is the only way to walk in our true identity — whether we are male or female.
Final Thoughts
Be encouraged by the words of Elisabeth Elliot, “The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.”
What powerful words to meditate on when we are grappling with the issue of womanhood. Let’s lay all on the altar with confidence that He is able to shape us into the women He desires to be.
Scripture References
- Colossians 2:9-10
- Romans 8:1
- Philippians 2:13
- Philippians 3:8
Recommended Resources
- Join Leslie at this year’s Set Apart Conference in Colorado or via simulcast June 507th to take the topic of true feminine beauty deeper!
- Do you want to gain an unshakable foundation in Jesus? You’re invited to Ellerslie this summer to be discipled. Choose from two powerful discipleship programs that will equip you in Christ-centered living. Learn more here.
- Listen to the FREE sermon “In Christ” here to understand our position in Christ.
