June 18, 2022

 

Rules

 

He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.” – Acts 10:28

 

The Apostle Peter was a Jew. He followed the laws he’d been taught and, yet, God called him to something else. First, God showed Peter that it was okay to eat meat Peter had always been taught was unclean. Then, God showed Peter that it was okay to eat with and fellowship with Gentiles. And because Peter followed God, many became believers and were filled with the Holy Spirit.

 

A family I know has been torn apart by the issue of homosexuality. It’s caused such division that the father refuses to speak to his son. This devout family is so focused on its beliefs that it can’t see God’s heart. And the son? Well, he’s now questioning God’s love too.

 

Is homosexuality a sin? I’ve heard all the arguments both ways. I am familiar with the verses. I know it is condemned by the Bible, just as I know the Bible condones slavery and the inferiority of women. In fact, the Bible at times contradicts itself. It speaks so clearly about slavery and yet Paul says this in Galatians 3:28:

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

 

People say they want to go back to the sexual ethics of the Bible but I wonder if they’ve ever read the book. I have – in several different versions. I have no interest in polygamy, fathers selling their daughters into slavery, or powerful men forcing women to be concubines and worse. And those are just a few things.

 

So, what about homosexuality? I don’t know. Does God condemn sexual rituals to false gods? I believe that He does. Does God condemn powerful men forcing young men into prostitution and worse? I believe so. But does God condemn two men or two women from a loving relationship? I’m not so sure about that.

 

Jesus told us the two greatest commandments. Do remember them?

 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40

 

Love God and love your neighbor. It seems fairly simple to me. I don’t know about the issue of homosexuality. That’s for God to sort out. But I do know that God didn’t call me to judge. God has called me to love.

 

How much better our world would be today if we would remember that.

May 16, 2018

Mentors Needed

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

– Titus 2:3-5

She wanted a mentor. Desperately. Tears filled her eyes. She just needed to talk to someone who understood how hard it is to balance husband, kids, work, life.

She’s not alone. There is a desperation coming from younger women, especially mothers, who need someone to guide them and advise them as they juggle their many roles. Unfortunately, that next generation isn’t always willing to step up.

I know. They’re busy. Some of them are still juggling careers and family, this time with grandchildren and adult children. They’re active socially. They have lives. Who wants to invest precious time in someone they probably don’t know?

A Bible study was suggested. What a great idea! Except that it is something mostly populated by younger women. Not always, of course. But often enough to make someone above 60 a treasure when she attends.

Everyone needs an older, trusted advisor and friend. I have a dear one and I am so thankful for her. I didn’t even know I needed her until I “inherited” her from my Mother. She speaks truth in my life when I need it. She gives an unwavering shoulder when tears overflow. She is someone to laugh and share stories with.

Sometimes I think our relationship is one-sided. She gives so much to me. Then I remember that it really is a two-way friendship. I check on her, laugh with her, and am quick to help whenever I can. I have plenty of experience taking people to doctor appointments and such. She knows she can depend on me.

I think of other friends who would give anything to spend time with children. They either don’t have grandchildren or their own grandchildren live far away. What a blessing it would be to share a homecooked meal, cheer someone else’s child along at a game, or share a coffee and some conversation.

The challenge comes in trying to bring together two diverse groups of women. You can’t force a connection. It just doesn’t happen that way. True friendships take time to cultivate. That’s hard in this busy life of ours.

We are trying different things. Bible journaling class brings a cross section of women of all ages together for study and laughter. Crafting classes do the same. The more barriers we break down, the more hopeful I am that those mentoring connections will develop.

If you’re a young person seeking a mentor, -- both women and men need mentors -- open your heart to those around you. Take part in activities that might include all different age groups. And if you’re someone who has entered the next stage of your life, consider sharing your wisdom with someone younger. You’ve learned a lot by living your life, whether you’re aware of it or not. That relationship will fill you up in ways you never imagined. Give it a try.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

All Christians Created Equal

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. -- Galatians 3:28

There are many, many reasons I love Jesus but one reason is how much He cared for women and opened doors for them. Jesus went against the culture of His day, allowing women to learn about God and what the Scriptures said.

Women were active participants in His ministry and, unlike most of His disciples, they followed Him to the foot of the cross. We all remember the story of Jesus admonishing Martha for asking that He make her sister Mary help with meal preparations. (Luke 10:38-42) Mary chose to listen to Jesus’ teaching rather than do “women’s work” and Jesus applauded her choice.

Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul. He, too, used women in his ministry. Women learned and taught. Yet some choose only to remember when Paul admonished women to be quiet and learn. (1 Corinthians 14:34)

It’s just so important not to take Scripture out of context. Paul never intended that women should not speak in churches or in public. His other writings clearly include women in ministry in public capacities. However, in the Corinthian culture women were not allowed to confront men in public. Apparently some of the women were questioning men in public worship and that caused trouble. Paul was merely trying to keep unity within the church. (footnotes in the Life Application Study Bible, NIV)

It’s easier for some to believe something else. It helps keep women “in their place” and that’s a sad point of view. Because women do have so much to offer, something Jesus recognized.

Recently a bit of unease surfaced that some women in our church were being treated with disrespect and a little bit of looking down on their views and opinions. I don’t know if it’s true or not. I haven’t witnessed it. But just the thought of it really makes me uneasy.

I came from a church where women are not allowed to hold leadership roles. They are background players who do much of the work but aren’t given the respect and recognition of the men. Nor are women allowed to teach men. It causes much discomfort at times.

So I’m a little sensitive to any thoughts that maybe the opinions of women in the church aren’t as valued as that of men. Jesus intended for all people -- no matter their sex, race or economic status -- to join together as one. No one is more important that another. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. So that we can work together for the glory of Christ.

Monday, November 21, 2011

God Takes Care Of Us

The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. -- Psalm 23:1 (NLT)

It’s interesting to read the different Bible translations. “I shall not be in want” says the same thing as “I have everything I need” but it’s just a little plainer. A little blunter. A little more to the point.

“I have everything I need.” My LORD takes care of me. Beth Moore noted that women want to be taken care of. We do. Oh, I know it’s not politically correct to say that. And I know some women will get upset and remind me that they can take care of themselves. I know. I know.

Please understand that this isn’t so much a political statement as a factual statement. Women are the caretakers of those around us. We are. It’s not that all women are caretakers or that no men ever are caretakers. But in general, women are the ones who cook and clean, tend the children and the parents. We organize social events and arrange the family schedule. We take care of those around us.

So who takes care of us? Some days it feels like nobody. Oh sure, sometimes others pitch in but when it’s “pitching in” it really isn’t caretaking. Is it? Because “pitching in” means that someone else is really in charge.

I am so thankful that I have a God who cares for me and takes care of me. The Creator of the Universe provides all that I need. Maybe not all that I want but certainly all that I need.

On a strictly emotional level, He loves me. “He renews my strength.” How many days, how many times, have I gone to Him and lay at His feet? Too tired to go on. Too emotionally exhausted to face another day, yet knowing that I must. “He leads me beside peaceful streams.” Yes, my LORD calms my soul.

He loves me. Some days I don’t know how or why, but He does. That certainty fills me in ways I can’t begin to describe. “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life.” He never lets go. He never gives up. He never walks away. His grip is firm and certain, caring and kind.

Beth Moore closed her study on David by reminding us that God is good. He loves us. And, really, that is all that matters. She’s right. When life threatens to overwhelm us, when it seems as though the day will never end and the strength to carry on is gone, look up. You’ve got someone just waiting to take care of you.