Be Careful Who You “Follow”

The Modern Christian Feminist Era.

Okay, I totally made that up, but I really feel like this is becoming a “thing.” We are in a modern Christian feminist era, and I don’t believe it’s a good thing.

A word to the wise…

Be cautious of who you choose to follow.

Be cautious who you allow to have influence in your life, especially concerning spiritual matters.

I feel like we are in this new era where women are being encouraged to be a ‘lioness,’ to take control, to be warriors, and to become women of power. It’s all about feelings and an “emotional experience” rather than Biblical truths. I rarely hear of popular Christian teachers/speakers sharing Titus 2 and breaking that down for us, but that is EXACTLY what we should be learning, studying, and teaching. I know this because that’s what the Bible clearly instructs older women to teach younger women.

Basically, Christian women are being deceived into thinking feminism is acceptable and necessary, all under the assumption that we are being ‘super spiritual.’ Newsflash: Jezebel was a “spiritual woman.” Jezebel called herself a prophetess (Rev 2:20) and men received her as a teacher, even though Jesus warned against her. She was “more spiritual and religiously devoted” than her husband and led him. Plain and simple, it says in 1 Timothy 2:12 that women are not to be in authority over men. When we step outside of our role to confidently lead our family, we are acting as Eve did in the Garden, and we all know how THAT turned out. I love this quote from Created to Be His Help Meet: “When a woman steps outside her divinely ordained nature and assumes the dominant role, she will soon become emotionally and physically exhausted.” (p 113, Pearl) Sound familiar?? Know any physically and emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed women?

The truth is, Scripture is sharper than a double edged sword and has the power to convict. It’s not always going to “tickle our ears.”  I feel like women are hungry for the Word of God and strong leadership, and rather than empowering our husbands to lead (as God commanded), by covering him in prayer, encouraging him, and helping him, we are trying to step up ourselves. We follow “religious teachers” and pour ourselves into ministries. I think we just need to get back to the basics. Bible studies, small groups, conferences, books…all of those things have a place, but they should not take THE PLACE of our own personal walk with Jesus. If you’re spending more time following someone else & reading/studying their material than you are in the Word, you are missing it sister.

If you’ve read my blog for any time, you know I’m pretty conservative and “old fashioned.” I can assure you that it’s not because I’m dumb, a door mat, incapable, or inadequate. It is a choice and I am very intentional about obeying the order God has designed for us.

Listen, ladies…I am ALL about a strong woman. I desire to be a strong woman and I hope I encourage other ladies to be strong women, too. I am 100% all for empowering women to strengthen their family, have a thriving marriage, raise up godly world changers, and live the abundant life God desires for them. STRONG women. But I think society’s definition of strength, even from the Christian community, is not aligning with what God’s Word tells us. To me, TRUE strength is being able to submit. True strength is being able to obey your own husband (as the Bible says multiple times.) True strength is being humble. True strength is loving the Lord enough to follow His commands and serve in the role he has for you. True strength is being disciplined and having self control. True strength is displaying a gentle and quiet spirit. True strength is being modest. True strength is having the fruits of the Spirit. True strength is encouraging others, forgiving when it’s hard, and loving the unlovable. There are several examples of strong women worth following in the Bible- Sarah. Esther. Ruth. The Virtuous Woman. (to name a few)

I’m reading a book right now called Becoming a Woman of Strength by Cynthia Heald, and The titles of the chapter show some areas where we can display true strength.

Have you read Titus 2:3-5 lately?

³ The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

⁴ That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

⁵ To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Blasphemy is a BIG, fat deal. It  basically means to cause others to speak evil of us, God, or his principles. The act of insulting or showing lack of reverence towards God. (FYI: If we claim to be Christians, then our life – our actions, reactions, marriage, attitude, etc are giving God a reputation, whether good or bad. We are a reflection on Him.) I believe God used such a strong word there – blasphemy- to catch our attention and help us understand the magnitude of these commands to us as women. These are some areas that are critical for young wives to follow, and if we don’t, we are at risk for blaspheming the Word of God.

Ladies, do not just blindly follow. It may “sound good,” and it may even feel good, but please make sure it is Biblically sound before you take it as truth. When it comes to who you allow to mentor you, who you follow, and who you allow to have influence in your life, make sure you take the time to ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment. James 1:5 tells us He gives it generously.

And above all, I encourage you to get in the Word. Read it, memorize it, meditate on it, study it. If you know the Lord as your Savior, the Holy Spirit will help you understand it. It is so RICH, fulfilling, all-encompassing, and powerful. I hope you’re not missing out by believing the lie that you’re “too busy,” that “it’s boring,” or that you “don’t understand.”

**My friend Lori wrote a post about this recently called the problem with female Bible teachers. I always love hearing her perspective.