by Mary Laclair

Created on: June 27, 2008

Culture or SUBMISSION

A WOMAN SHOULD KNOW HER PLACE - OF EQUALITY

"A woman should know her place" used to be a popular phrase years ago, and as a youngster, my ears heard that with negative emotions. Thank God because of research my ears hear it now in a positive manner. Old 'submission' teachings were blown out of balance and twisted. Research into Scripture will reveal the 'mutual submission' command!

If women submit in all things to their husbands, they risk making him a god. God does NOT want this nor will He even tolerate this kind of rivalry. Let's face it, no man or woman is 100% right all the time and we are to consider no man god! God's directive of mutual submission needs to be realized.

This means that not only are we allowed to say "No," we are required to say "No" at times.

Scripture confirms this in Acts 5:1 10 with the dramatic account of Ananias and Sapphira. Other accounts too numerous to mention include Chapter 13 of Judges which also contains revelation.

Sometimes it is very easy to know when to say 'no'; other times it helps to pray about it.

At Creation, God said, "man needs a helper" not 'a slave'. When you help someone you have to know what you are doing; not so with a slave who just takes orders. Women who are in total submission become lemmings, denying their own God given intelligence, intuition and accountability. This is not to be.

Sorry men, but God did NOT make man the boss. Submission does not legitimize control. Partners need to come to a realization there is a difference between a boss and a leader. A leader sets a good example for others to either follow; or, not to follow. A leader never forces. A good leader carries no whip, real or imaginary; and he shows genuine concern about the people over whom he has been given leadership. A boss on the other hand, cares little for those under him and when mistakes happen often shifts blame down the line. This adds to the responsibility to say "No", or else we chance getting blamed or sharing the blame for saying 'yes'.

A leader accepts responsibility for himself and accepts responsibility for the mistakes of those in his charge. God is a leader.

God gives us a choice of whether to follow Him or not. When we do, He accepts responsibility for our wrongs. He did so at the Cross on Calvary but He will not force Himself on us. It is up to us whether to accept Him. God's leadership is open to all, regardless of gender.

Learn more of God's ways by reading the life of Jesus in the New Testament today and making a conscious decision that with His help, you will accept His leadership and gentle correction! Jesus embodies the love and gentleness side of God. He is our go between.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28 30 (NIV)

"We must obey God rather than man!" Acts 5:29

Learn obedience to Jesus and you will please God the Father.

"Submit yourselves to God..." (not man), "...resist the devil and he will flee". James 4:7

Yes, woman should know her place, with God!

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