Teachers of What Is Good

by Kathie Wendland

Likewise, encourage older women to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, but teachers of what is good, so that they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, kind, and submitting to their own husbands, that the word of God might not be slandered (Titus 2:3-5, EHV).

 

“Likewise…” at the beginning of a passage always reminds us to consider what else is being referred to. Paul has already stressed teaching “sound doctrine” to Titus as a requirement for leaders in the congregation by using the word “must” in Chapter 1. The motivation for Christ-like behavior is secondary to sound doctrine. I want to live a sanctified life because—by faith—I grasp the magnitude of what Christ has done for me.

While that grace in and of itself would be enough motivation, I have also been called by God to be Christ’s ambassador proclaiming the message of reconciliation: that in Christ the sins of the world have been forgiven. That is how we “shine among [unbelievers] like lights in the world, as [we] hold onto the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-15). It seems overwhelming, doesn’t it? If that awesome role were up to me alone, I’d surely fall so short. Yet I have been assured that the Holy Spirit will work in me “both to will and to work for the sake of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). As Paul turns to guide Titus in instructing various groups in the congregation, the “likewise” connects sound doctrine with the teaching that underscores women teaching other women.

Sound Doctrine Produces Sanctified Living

There are many examples in Scripture that help us see sound doctrine producing sanctified action in God’s daughters’ lives. Mary is the obvious example of sitting at Jesus’ feet even while other important tasks needed to be done. But Martha too is a wonderful example. I feel badly for Martha, as she often is pictured as the less noble of the sisters. Her determination to take care of Jesus’ needs as well as the needs of his followers while in her home, however, is exemplary. Lydia was compelled to care for Paul’s needs as well as for Timothy and Silas who were with him. Both women did so because they knew by the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus is the Christ.

Martha is the one who again rushed to meet Jesus when he came to Bethany after Lazarus died. Her confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ was stated clearly, and she knew her brother would rise again at the last day. That’s the comfort of sound doctrine, and Martha was living it. So was Mary. Her conviction that her brother wouldn’t have died if Jesus had been there is true for all of us, isn’t it? Because Jesus IS here, we don’t die—not eternally. Because Jesus is here, we have opportunities all the time to proclaim him as the Christ—the Son of the living God—when those around us see how differently we live our lives. They see how differently we speak about and treat our family members, especially our husbands and children if that is part of God’s plan for our lives.

How to treat family and friends doesn’t come naturally to the sinful nature each one of us is born with. It must be taught. It flows from sound doctrine as we are being renewed in the image of God. What then am I to be teaching if I’m an older Christian woman, and what am I to be looking to learn if I’m a younger Christian woman?

What then am I to be teaching if I’m an older Christian woman, and what am I to be looking to learn if I’m a younger Christian woman?

Teach What Is Good

In his instructions to Titus, Paul begins by encouraging women to use their communication skills in a God-pleasing way. Slander and gossip are so popular in the culture in which we live. Social media is now a way to feel popular if that gossip or slander garners more “likes” than speaking well of others or putting the best construction on everything. But that is not the blessing for others that the Lord intended for women when he built them as the suitable helper. Paul further cautions to watch the wine. There’s nothing like alcohol to loosen the tongue—and not in good ways.

After the caution on use of communication skills found in rich measure in women, the attention turns to what should be taught: “to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, kind, and submitting to their own husbands” (verses 4-5). Beginning the list with “love their husbands and children” is the foundation of blessed, strong relationships. Relationships were so important to mankind that creation was “not good” until the man had a partner built from him with whom to have a relationship. The woman named Eve, the mother of all the living, was made to be the blessing from God to build blessed relationships with her family and acquaintances. Every woman has a family to whom she can be a blessing, whether in a marriage setting, a daughter setting, or the family-of-God setting. Every woman is part of a family.

But every woman needs to be taught to love her family. That’s a bold statement, isn’t it? The love needing to be taught isn’t the self-serving, self-gratifying emotion of the world around us. The love here is the Greek word agape. Agape is defined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love does not fail.” Love, agape, does not come naturally to sinful human beings. Agape describes God’s love in John 3:16: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Those who are being renewed in the image of God are able to model God’s love for the people around them. This is the foundation of blessed, strong relationships. This relationship insight and emphasis is part of the “not good” to “very good” truth that occurred with the building of the woman from the man. Christian women—with the foundation of sound doctrine—are able to model and teach how to love those around them.

Those who are being renewed in the image of God are able to model God’s love for the people around them. This is the foundation of blessed, strong relationships.

This is the love, then, that will compel the actions that follow in Titus. For an example of what it looks like “to be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, kind, and submitting to their own husbands,” refer to Proverbs 31:10-31 and Ruth 1:16—3:14. Both examples describe women: “noble” women, women of “strong character.” These examples aren’t there to give Christian women today a “to do” list. Instead, they are the “older women” we can look to today to see application of the encouragements Paul instructs Titus to raise up women—“teachers of what is good”—who are for many reasons best suited to teach younger women what is so vital to all of us, yet what does not come naturally.

A Vital Part of the Body of Christ

The agape that women have responsibility to teach other women is not only vital in blessed relationship in homes and families. Those families are a microcosm of the blessed relationships found in Christian congregations. Christian congregations, founded on sound doctrine, will grow together as the body of Christ. The body of Christ works together—men and women as a team—to strengthen one another and reach out to the dying world around it with the message of reconciliation, that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ who died for all in the world. We then, as Christian women and Christian congregations, no longer live for ourselves but for him who died for us and was raised again.

In a world which is so confused by sin, a world that has no idea of what love really is, a world that is intent on denying the God who made us and then redeemed us, the body of Christ—with Christ as its head—has a lot of work to do. This is not our work, but rather it is God’s work planned for us from before creation.

In a world which is so confused by sin, a world that has no idea of what love really is, a world that is intent on denying the God who made us and then redeemed us, the body of Christ—with Christ as its head—has a lot of work to do. This is not our work, but rather it is God’s work planned for us from before creation. It is work that is filled with purpose for our lives no matter what gifts God has showered on us as individuals or what callings in life for which he has prepared. It is work that God has designed for men and women to accomplish together, each using the strengths God has given while being mindful of sinful attempts to make those strengths self-fulfilling rather than of service to others.

For Further Reflection

Spend time reading and meditating on Proverbs 31:10-3, the book of Ruth (God’s loving message to his daughters through the ages), 2 Corinthians 5:14—6:2, and Ephesians (God’s message to Christian congregations).

1. As an older woman, how can I model and teach others—especially younger women—what it is to love husband and children as a married woman or family and co-workers and friends as a single woman?
2. As a younger woman, to whom can I look to see what it means to be a “strong woman” in today’s world?
3. As a Christian woman, young or old, married or single, how can I be part of strengthening the relationships within the body of Christ so we all can boldly and clearly proclaim the message of Jesus Christ to the world around us and glorify him with our lives?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see your gracious and loving plan for me as a woman: valuable in so many ways and walking in the plans you have also laid out for my life here on earth. Open my eyes to see the value of my sisters in Christ as we all live out the unique plans you have for us, plans that bring great joy and blessing to the lives of all around us. Keep our eyes focused on your Son, who paid what I owe so I can be with you for all eternity. In his name I kneel before you. Amen.

 

Strengths, Responsibilities, and Words of Caution

by Kathie Wendland

Likewise, encourage older women to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, but teachers of what is good, so that they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, kind, and submitting to their own husbands, that the word of God might not be slandered (Titus 2:3-5, EHV).

 

Growing up on a farm with six brothers and sisters, we learned how to work together as a family. My sisters and mom sometimes helped with farm chores and field work, such as driving the tractor to disc, cultivate, or chop hay. We couldn’t repair the equipment, though, or do the literal heavy lifting necessary for such tasks. On the other hand, my dad and brothers could certainly get a meal for themselves. However, they relied on my mom, my sisters, and me to do the baking of bread, desserts, and preparation of vegetables, fruit, meat, etc., produced by the farm so they had something to get for their meal.

Furthermore, my parents very wisely “played to our strengths” as individuals during those years, while at the same time guiding those strengths as we grew into them. For instance, one of my sisters could get things done very quickly but sometimes needed to be sent back to finish missed steps or perhaps even redo something. I, on the other hand, always ended with as close to a “perfect” job done as possible but required many encouragements to get moving and actually get the job finished.

From Paul’s letter to Titus, it’s easy to see that in many ways the family of God gathered together in congregations is similar to my family experience growing up. In Titus 2, Paul has specific encouragements and cautions for older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and employees (as slaves of the time would be referred to today). Although Paul significantly uses the words “likewise” or “similarly” a few times, his inspired guidance for each group is different and reflects both general strengths and cautions for men and women as they grow together in God’s family.

Although Paul significantly uses the words “likewise” or “similarly” a few times, his inspired guidance for each group is different and reflects both general strengths and cautions for men and women as they grow together in God’s family.

As older men fulfill their God-given responsibility for the spiritual well-being of the congregation under congregation overseers, Paul speaks of sound doctrine and being worthy of respect as they model faith, love, and endurance. Younger men need encouragement to be self-controlled. Titus, a young man himself, is to show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech in his teaching. Why? “…so that the one who opposes us will be put to shame, because he has nothing bad to say about us” (verse 8). Employees are to demonstrate trustworthiness, “so that they may show the teaching of God our Savior to be attractive in every way” (verse 10).

In today’s reading, we hear Paul instruct Titus, “Likewise, encourage older women to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, but teachers of what is good, so that they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, kind, and submitting to their own husbands, that the word of God might not be slandered.”

For young and old alike, for male and female, by inspiration Paul guides the young pastor Titus in speaking to both the strengths and responsibilities of the men and women making up the new congregation. Paul also has inspired words of caution for each group in areas where their strengths can be especially vulnerable to being distorted by sin.

For young and old alike, for male and female, by inspiration Paul guides the young pastor Titus in speaking to both the strengths and responsibilities of the men and women making up the new congregation.

For women, referring back to the devotion on from “not good” to “very good,” it becomes clear through the pages of Scripture that two very significant pieces were built into the woman for the blessing of mankind. One of those pieces is the ability to speak. Studies have shown that on average, women have a much greater vocabulary than men do, and they use it. How many times is it heard that either “women talk too much” when a man is commenting on communication or “men don’t ever talk about things” when a woman is commenting?

The second—and perhaps overriding—difference in men and women is the created ability God gave in rich measure to women to see and treasure relationships. While it’s true of relationships of all kinds, the predominant relationships have to do with husband and children, families, and work associates. Relationships are, for women, often the most important part of life.

Looking forward to this week’s second devotion, take time to read all of Titus to get a fuller picture of Paul’s instructions to Titus, the young pastor of a young congregation totally new to the idea of a loving God and a Savior. Then spend some time thinking about women in Scripture who demonstrated use of verbal skills and relationship-building skills. Were these God-pleasing uses or not? Finally, ponder how women of God learned to be women of God.

For Further Reflection

In view of the Creator’s design and plan for mankind, meditate on or write about how God sees you as valuable and the blessings he intends to bring to your family, congregation, the whole Christian church, and to society through you.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see your gracious and loving plan for me as a woman: valuable in so many ways and walking in the plans you have also laid out for my life here on earth. Open my eyes to see the value of my sisters in Christ as we all live out the unique plans you have for us, plans that bring great joy and blessing to the lives of all around us. Keep our eyes focused on your Son, who paid what I owe so I can be with you for all eternity. In his name I kneel before you. Amen.

 

Walking Through Life With Each Other

by Paula Sulzle

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband (Ephesians 5:21-33).

 

For years, my husband and I have wanted to take dance lessons together. Early this past December, I saw an ad for online dance lessons: downloadable videos would be sent directly to us. I dropped the hint, yup, just dropped the link directly to my husband’s inbox. And then on Christmas Eve I received a beautiful and very professional-looking coupon for the online dance lessons. He got the hint!

So one night in early January, we planned a date to learn something we’ve never done before: ballroom dancing. It was sure a lesson in letting him lead. In fact, that’s what the instructors told us: “It’s his job to make you look beautiful as you both glide across the dance floor. It’s your job to follow his lead.”

A marriage relationship was designed in a way that can imitate a beautiful dance, one in which the wife respects her husband and allows him to lead, and the husband loves his wife and leads in a way that produces bountiful blessings for his wife and children—and as a result, for himself too.

The Marriage Union

God created every person uniquely different, and for good reason! We complement each other. Each person will bring their unique and varying gifts to a marriage. We all have areas of strengths that are not matched in our spouse. My weaknesses are often overcome by his strengths, and vice versa. Exactly how a man and woman partner together will look different in each home. Husband and wife will do well to communicate about their interests, gifts, and desires for the family.

Exactly how a man and woman partner together will look different in each home. Husband and wife will do well to communicate about their interests, gifts, and desires for the family.

In today’s busy schedules and full lives, finding time for productive and healthy communication might mean scheduling regular times to meet. In our marriage, it means setting aside at least two dates per month, several nights per week to connect, and also times to discuss finances, parenting decisions or long-term goals. Making decisions together is key in moving forward together—from the little things (who will do the laundry?) to the big things (what are our priorities when parenting the children?). Husbands and wives can take the time to get to know each other better, recognizing the gifts God gave each of them. Then each will use those gifts to benefit the family.

Will husband and wife always agree on the numerous aspects of life? Most certainly not. We all come with different experiences, expectations, and knowledge. So when a disagreement arises, spouses work together towards an understanding. It becomes much easier to love and forgive someone whom you think of as God’s dearly loved child. A husband who has put God first in his life will want to do what’s best for his wife and family, and he will value what she thinks and how she feels. Wives, we might not always understand the reasoning behind our husband’s decisions, but we know that God has called us to submit to our husbands, knowing we are submitting also to God’s will.

God has blessed our union with six children. My husband and I might not always agree with every aspect of parenting, but there is always one thing we do agree on: that the children see we are united. Sometimes we need to discuss something in private before we come to an agreement. At times, when I share my thoughts and ideas with my husband, he changes his mind about the situation. At other times, he persuades me, and I understand that his way is wiser than my own. There are times that I don’t understand, I don’t like it, yet I submit to my husband. I ask God to help me do this not with a stubborn attitude, but with a respectful and loving heart.

And then, there are those times when I foolishly override my husband’s leadership. When I realize what I’ve done, it takes me right back to the Garden of Eden. Eve overstepped her God-given role, instead paving her own path—and we know what resulted from that. I, too, have seen the results of my selfishness. I see how poorly things turn out when I act with no regard for my husband. I then realize I should have submitted to my husband rather than be like Eve who took matters into her own hands. Wives, in those times, seek forgiveness from God and your husband, and know that Jesus’ robe of righteousness covers you just as the beautiful white gown did on your wedding day.

As the head of the marriage and family, the husband is called first and foremost to be the spiritual leader for the family, to lead his family in devotions and prayers, and to point them to Jesus for forgiveness and guidance. A husband can love his wife best when he loves God most. A wife can love her husband best when she loves God most. Through the love and respect of husband and wife, God blesses the family unit.

The Unbelieving Husband

A husband who submits to Christ as his head is God’s will for all marriages. Yet we know that this is not always the situation. What does God ask of a wife married to an unbelieving husband? Does she still need to submit? Yes, she does! God tells us through the words of Peter that the principle still applies: “Wives, in the same way, be submissive to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they might be won over without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your respectful and holy behavior” (1 Peter 3:1-2).

An unbelieving husband will see the love of Christ by the way his Christian wife lives her life. When she shows respect to her husband, she is also showing respect to Christ and for God’s perfect design.

When Christians live as bright shining lights for Jesus, people begin to notice. In this way, a wife will be ready to give an answer for the hope she has—not only to her husband, but anyone else who asks how she can be a submissive, respectful, and loving wife. God will continue to bless her through her obedience to his will.

When Christians live as bright shining lights for Jesus, people begin to notice. In this way, a wife will be ready to give an answer for the hope she has—not only to her husband, but anyone else who asks how she can be a submissive, respectful, and loving wife.

The Single Person

Christians who are single also desire to follow God’s perfect design for man and woman. When it comes to marriage, though, they might find it difficult to know how they can follow God’s design for man and woman in the home. However, people who are not married can honor this principle in a number of ways.

If you are a single person, let this be an encouragement to you: it is a blessing when you encourage and support husbands and wives in their callings, especially encouraging wives through your friendships. You can discourage the pity party and refuse to join in tearing a husband down when a wife is frustrated with him or his behavior. You can speak well of God’s design and the blessings a marriage brings to the family unit and society. When you use your words to heal, not harm, God is using you to help build up marriages of those around you.

When you use your words to heal, not harm, God is using you to help build up marriages of those around you.

Those who are single can also honor God’s perfect design of head and helper in all areas of their own lives, showing they respect God’s will for man and woman.

Pray for marriages. Pray that husbands and wives put Christ as the head and center of their marriages. Pray for husbands that they will lead in a way that is God-pleasing and builds up their families. Pray for wives that they may turn to their husbands for guidance and submit to their husbands as to the Lord. Pray that both husband and wife will honor God in their unique callings, using their gifts for the benefit of their family and to glorify him.

We see how the church submits to Christ. We see how Christ submitted to his Father’s holy and perfect will. We know what God’s Word tells us—how to honor him, lead holy lives, and work together in our marriages to have beautiful partnerships. Yet we are sinful humans. We fell right along with Adam and Eve in the Garden when they sinned against God. “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners…”

But listen to this! Here’s the good part! “…so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous” (Romans 5:19).

Christ’s perfect life and innocent death won for us salvation. We can walk through life with each other, knowing that God has blessed and strengthened man and woman—husband and wife—with his grace.

For Further Reflection

1. Wives, what are three ways you can show your husband you honor him as your head?
2. How can a Christian wife submit to her unbelieving husband when it seems he only cares for himself?
3. What is one specific thing you can do this week to build up a marriage?

Closing Prayer

O gracious Father, you have so wonderfully blessed us with this beautiful design for a husband and wife. You have given us your perfect example in Christ. Yet we stumble and fall and go our own way. Forgive us for the times when we have not honored our husbands, have failed to be a selfless helper to them, or have not supported marriages through our words and prayers. Use us to build each other up in the roles you have graciously given us. Thank you for strengthening our faith through your Word. Amen.

 

A Beautiful Partnership

by Paula Sulzle

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband (Ephesians 5:21-33).

 

We start this section of Scripture with what seems to be a strong command. In our culture, “submit” has become a word that often conjures feelings of angst or rebellion, a place where selfish pride takes root. Even as Christian women, we have succumbed to the ways of the world and scoffed at the word and all that it entails. But why is that? Is it because we haven’t seen submission carried out in a God-pleasing and selfless way? Maybe we’ve seen submissive women getting trampled on by those placed in the headship roles. Let’s take a look at what godly submission truly is, and we’ll see that we will want to embrace submission because we know God wills it. He will bless us through it.

The Bible, in its original languages, was not written with chapters, verses, or headings. At times I feel like the chapters create a break in our minds, like we should stop reading and come back to it later. Yet when we do that, we may lose the continuity of the message. Our text today is a good example. Earlier in Chapter 5, Paul urges us to understand what the Lord’s will is. He tells us to “be filled with the Spirit” and gives us several ways in which we do that. Submitting is one of those ways. Now, as we see in our text, he gives us one setting in which submission is carried out: the home, with husband and wife.

We see God’s unique calls to husband and wife as he instructs wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives as they carry out their unique calling as the head. In each circumstance, Paul brings our focus back to Christ. We all submit to Christ first and then carry out our unique callings to make this marriage partnership a beautiful dance.

In each circumstance, Paul brings our focus back to Christ. We all submit to Christ first and then carry out our unique callings to make this marriage partnership a beautiful dance.

Wives, we submit to our husbands not as inferior to them. No, we’ve already studied how we have equal status before God. We submit to them as to the Lord. Submission is honoring our God-given head and respecting his leadership. Through it we receive God’s protection, care, and guidance since God is working through him. When I allow my husband to lead as God called him to, my role as his suitable helper becomes a true joy.

Husbands love their wives because Christ’s complete and perfect love compels them to do so. God has given husbands a bit of his authority. This is a huge responsibility—but one a husband carries out as a selfless and loving leader.

Will I submit perfectly and at all times? No. Will my husband lead and love perfectly and at all times? No. Will God cover us with his grace perfectly and at all times? Yes! When both husband and wife follow God’s design for them, this relationship will be a beautiful partnership, one in which the family grows closer to Christ and closer to each other.

Will I submit perfectly and at all times? No. Will my husband lead and love perfectly and at all times? No. Will God cover us with his grace perfectly and at all times? Yes!

For Further Reflection

Meditate on or write about how you feel about submission after reading this devotion. What blessings do you see from this beautiful partnership—either in your own life or in the marriages you see around you?

Closing Prayer

Dear God our Father, Creator of marriage, forgive me for the times I have resented my role of being a submissive wife and suitable helper to my husband. Help me to honor and follow your design for head and helper in my marriage. Cause husbands and wives to respect your will for their marriage and help them carry out their unique roles. You promise to bless marriages and families as they submit to Christ as their head. Guide us through your precious Word. Amen.

 

Gifts and Callings: Refining the Conversation

by Kristi Meyer

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

 

If you had told me at the beginning of 2020 that I would enjoy wrangling microphones, livestreaming church services, and pre-recording choir songs for worship, I’d have told you that you were crazy. Sure, I knew how to run the church AV system, but I was by no means good at it, nor did I operate it regularly. And recording and microphones? Nope. Not a chance. Putting together a slide show of still pictures set to music pushed my tech limits.

But then the pandemic hit, church services became entirely virtual, and I found myself volunteering to run AV so that we could have a consistent and steady presence in the AV booth. Although those first couple of weeks (OK, the first couple of months) were absolutely terrifying, now I love it. And in a twist that I never would have predicted, I’m good at it. I discovered a gift that I didn’t know I had, a gift that I’m blessed to be able to use on a regular basis.

It’s been an incredible privilege to partner with so many people in this area. Pastors and teachers, organists and musicians, congregational leaders and members—all of us come together to make a worship service happen. Partnerships like these can be seen in all aspects of the body of Christ, and—in the vein of this devotional series—they can especially be seen when men and women come together and use their spiritual gifts in service to one another, to the church, and to their Lord.

Partnerships in the Home

This partnership is perhaps seen most clearly in the home. As we discussed previously, Adam and Eve were created to complement each other, to complete each other, to do for the other what each could not do on their own. Next week, we’ll dive more deeply into how this partnership plays out in the home, in marriages, and in unions that produce children. For now, a couple of brief thoughts are appropriate.

Husbands and wives are called to use their spiritual gifts and partner in their marriage and their family, but they are called to do so while also respecting their unique roles. Husbands are called to be the head, to assume spiritual responsibility, to love their wives, to bring their children up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Wives are called to submit to their husbands, to respect them, to support them as they seek to fulfill their role as spiritual leader.

This isn’t going to look the same in every marriage; it certainly shouldn’t look like a dictatorial husband and a cowering wife. The specifics are up to each family unit. Open and honest conversations, along with time spent together in God’s Word and in prayer, are key. The general principle still holds, though: husbands and wives have been given different roles and different spiritual gifts. When they live within these roles and work together using these spiritual gifts, they live out God’s plan for their marriage and reflect the beautiful and mysterious union between Christ and the church.

This isn’t going to look the same in every marriage; it certainly shouldn’t look like a dictatorial husband and a cowering wife. The specifics are up to each family unit.

Partnerships in the Church

I’ll be honest: partnerships between men and women in the church are sometimes hard for me to deal with. It’s not because I have difficulty seeing the value of these partnerships. As a female who works closely with her pastors, I can clearly see how my gifts complement theirs. I can see how I view issues differently as a female than they might as males—different viewpoints that are not in conflict but rather come together in harmony to form a more complete perspective.

No, I have difficulty with male and female partnerships in the church because it seems as though we so often focus on what women can’t do. Can’t serve as a pastor? Check. Can’t distribute the Lord’s Supper? Check. Can’t authoritatively teach a Bible study? Check. It doesn’t matter that all of these prohibitions are biblical. It doesn’t even matter that I probably wouldn’t want to do most of these things anyway. My sinful nature hears “can’t, can’t, can’t,” I immediately become angry and irritated, and all the while I continue to feel more and more restricted.

But these prohibitions are a very small snapshot of what goes on in the church. Don’t misunderstand my meaning: I’m not saying serving as a pastor or distributing the Lord’s Supper or authoritatively teaching a Bible study is unimportant. I am, however, saying that these roles are not the majority of places where partnerships in the church occur, and they’re certainly not the place where most people—men and women alike—are going to serve.

What should be done? Let’s change the conversation. Instead of focusing on what women can’t do in the church, let’s focus on what women can do. Simply by sheer volume, the list of “cans” is much longer than the list of “can’ts.” Each one of us has the privilege and joy of finding our own “can,” our own place to serve that utilizes our spiritual gifts. When we look for our “can” instead of concentrating on our “can’t,” our mindset changes and we are able to pay attention to the positives rather than the negatives.

Let’s change the conversation. Instead of focusing on what women can’t do in the church, let’s focus on what women can do. Simply by sheer volume, the list of “cans” is much longer than the list of “can’ts.”

Is this easy? No, absolutely not. Will there still be “can’ts” for females, “can’ts” that make us feel as though we aren’t serving to our full potential? Certainly. Are all of these “can’ts” biblically commanded? Likely not, and that adds a whole other wrinkle—a wrinkle that we’ll consider in an upcoming devotion. For me personally, that wrinkle is particularly difficult to navigate. But again, focusing on the “cans” rather than the “can’ts” brings a renewed sense of joy and purpose as I seek to build up the body of Christ through my service.

Women and Leadership

When it comes to partnerships and callings in the church, one more important point needs to be made. We hold to Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 2:11-14 on women not exercising authority, words that we will explore more fully later this summer. The terms “authority” and “leadership” are sometimes used interchangeably, and some leadership positions are positions that are also imbued with authority. At the same time, however, leadership and authority are not the same concept, and one should not treat them as such.

Many women—myself included—are blessed with gifts of leadership. It is entirely possible for a woman to exercise her gifts of leadership properly without stepping out of her helper calling. It is also entirely possible for a woman to exercise her gifts of leadership improperly by usurping the role of head. Women must be careful, then, in how we exercise our gifts of leadership, but it is certainly possible for us to exercise these gifts in a God-pleasing way.

Women must be careful, then, in how we exercise our gifts of leadership, but it is certainly possible for us to exercise these gifts in a God-pleasing way.

This was made clear to me in a conversation I had several years ago with one of my pastors. We were discussing the unique callings of women in the church in general and church structure and governance in particular. I lamented that as a single female unable to vote in the church, I had no official mechanism for expressing my voice in any church decisions made by the voters’ assembly. My pastor said something that has stuck with me: essentially, that I should not conflate not being able to vote with not having influence in the church.

Since then, I have come to see that in spite of being female, I do indeed have a significant amount of influence in my church, and I do serve in multiple leadership roles. I say this not to be boastful nor in an attempt to circumvent the calling of helper which I have been given. Rather, I strive to remember that God has put me where he wants me to be and has given me the gifts he wants me to have. Therefore, I have a responsibility to use those gifts as best as I possibly can—not in violation of my unique calling, but in harmony with it.

Life would be pretty unbalanced if we were all good at the exact same things. Some tasks would get done very well, but other equally important tasks would remain unfinished or be ignored entirely. Similarly, our family of believers would be unbalanced if we were all gifted with the exact same spiritual gifts. Some aspects of home and church life would be enhanced, but the vast majority would instead suffer, and the body of Christ wouldn’t function as God intended it.

By God’s grace, he has given each one of us just the right spiritual gifts. By God’s grace, we come together as males and females to use these gifts in service to each other and to the church. And when we focus on what we can do rather than what we can’t do, our attitude changes and—by God’s grace—we are privileged to carry his message of salvation to a sin-darkened world so desperately in need of a Savior.

For Further Reflection

1. If you are married, how do you and your spouse partner with each other and enhance each other’s spiritual gifts? If you are single, what other partnerships do you participate in where you also enhance someone else’s spiritual gifts?
2. Does the conversation in your congregation focus on “can’t” or “can”? If it focuses on “can’t,” what can you do to change and reshape the conversation?
3. How would you explain the relationship and connection between leadership and authority? How would you explain the differences between these two concepts?

Closing Prayer

Lord God, we do not deserve any of the gifts you shower upon us. Lead us always to give thanks for our gifts rather than desiring gifts that we do not have. Grant that we might always use our gifts to work for the common good and bring glory to your name. Amen.

 

Different Gifts, Same Lord

by Kristi Meyer

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

 

I’m a natural organizer. Color-coded file folders in my cabinets, books organized by author and genre on my shelves, clothes hung by function, style, and color in my closet—these satisfy my need and desire for order. This sense of organization also extends to people. Among my various circles of friends, I’m the one who keeps track of when we saw each other last, and I’m generally the one to initiate the e-mail or text thread scheduling our next dinner or outing.

I am not, however, naturally empathetic. I love my friends, I love spending time with them, and I love organizing the details of our get-togethers. But I don’t always do as well with checking in regularly to see how my friends are doing. I don’t always recognize when they’re in the midst of a busy or challenging time and need support. I don’t always see when they’re struggling spiritually, and I’m not always there to offer Christian comfort and prayer. Therefore, I greatly appreciate my friends who do have this gift of empathy, and I treasure the encouragement they so easily and instinctively provide.

As we read in today’s verses, we see the same concept at play within the body of Christ. Before talking about the differences in the gifts we have been given, note the sameness that Paul brings out in these verses. We see all three persons of the Trinity in these verses, presented in reverse order. All our spiritual gifts come from the same source: God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Because all of our spiritual gifts come from this same source, they are all good, useful, and beneficial gifts. And all of our spiritual gifts come together for a common goal: to build up and strengthen the body of Christ.

All our spiritual gifts come from the same source: God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Because all of our spiritual gifts come from this same source, they are all good, useful, and beneficial gifts.

Paul contrasts this sense of sameness—of a common source, value, and goal—with a repetition of the differences among our gifts. There are different kinds of gifts, of service, of working, differences for which we should be extremely thankful! In his wisdom, God gives his church a wide variety of spiritual gifts and equips it with everything it needs to fulfill its Great Commission calling. Rather than separating us, our differences should unite us as we use our gifts in service alongside others—others who have different gifts but serve the same Lord.

Related to this devotional series, we see believers working together in the church in different ways. Believers naturally come together—for service, fellowship, and mutual encouragement and edification—along gender lines, and there’s nothing wrong with that. My church has a men’s Bible study and a women’s Bible study, and many other churches do as well. We share an organic connection with those of our same gender, and oftentimes it’s easier to serve alongside them and grow in God’s Word together with them.

At the same time, we would lose part of the body of Christ if we didn’t also partner across gender lines. Personal experience and anecdotal evidence show us that—broadly speaking—men and women are blessed with different gifts and different ways of working to accomplish a task. When we bring these differences together in the body of Christ, when we work alongside each other, when we complement each other’s strengths and counterbalance each other’s weaknesses, we unite in using all of our spiritual gifts to serve both God and neighbor.

When we bring these differences together in the body of Christ, when we work alongside each other, when we complement each other’s strengths and counterbalance each other’s weaknesses, we unite in using all of our spiritual gifts to serve both God and neighbor.

As we’ll explore later this week, this isn’t always easy. It’s tempting to covet another’s spiritual gifts, to chafe under aspects of our unique callings that seem to restrict the use of our gifts, to fail to use our gifts to the best of our ability because they seem unappreciated or even unwelcome. But when these temptations come, remember the sameness in Paul’s words. Remember the same God, the same Lord, the same Spirit from whom our gifts come. Remember God’s perfect wisdom in giving these gifts—to both men and women—and give thanks that we are privileged to use these gifts in his service.

For Further Reflection

Meditate on or write about the spiritual gifts you have been given. How are you using these gifts to build up the body of Christ?

Closing Prayer

Lord God, in your grace and wisdom you chose different spiritual gifts for different believers. We thank you for the diversity of gifts you bestow upon us and for the opportunity to use these gifts to carry out the work you have called us to do: sharing the good news with those around us and building up the body of Christ. Keep us faithful in this work, and bless our efforts according to your good and gracious will. Amen.

 

A Perfect Design From a Perfect Designer

by Kathie Wendland

The LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. As the man slept, the LORD God took a rib and closed up the flesh where it had been. The LORD God built a woman from the rib that he had taken from the man and brought her to the man.

The man said,
Now this one is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.
She will be called “woman,” because she was taken out of man
For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother
and will remain united with his wife,
and they will become one flesh. (Genesis 2:21-24, EHV)

 

As noted earlier this week and indeed earlier in this devotion series, the progression of good to very good involved the creation of mankind in the image of God, the Triune God. Hopefully there was opportunity to ponder the questions and thoughts at the close of this week’s first devotion—the thoughts for further consideration being addressed today.

Good to Very Good: From the Man and For the Man

God pronounces each step of creation up to the creation of man in God’s image as “good.” Then the LORD God tells us that man by himself was “not good.” God concludes, however, at the end of the six days of creation with man and woman created in his own image and installed as stewards of his entire earthly creation, that it is “very good.” God’s plan from the beginning was to have man, created in his own image, be the stewards of that creation. And his verdict was “it was very good.” It was exactly according to plan: perfect, nothing missing or left out.

An indispensable piece of “very good,” of perfect, was that God created mankind in his own image to be the perfect stewards of all he had created. At creation Adam and Eve, the man and the one who would be the mother of all the living, knew what God knew, loved what God loved, and wanted what God wanted.

This is both awesome and in my current fallen state distorted by sin. It is impossible to fully comprehend, yet we get glances of the full and perfect image of God. Man, Adam, formed from the dust of the ground with the breath of life breathed into his nostrils becoming a living being is the beginning. But it’s “not good,” not complete, because the man is alone. Then the LORD God takes a rib of the man, builds a woman, and brings her to the man. Now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh, Adam sings out, it is very good, perfect and complete. And she will be the mother of all the living. The man will remain united with his wife and they will become one flesh; each unique, each indispensable, yet one.

Then the LORD God takes a rib of the man, builds a woman, and brings her to the man. Now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh, Adam sings out, it is very good, perfect and complete.

When reading the full account of creation in Genesis 1 and 2, did you notice that before Eve was created, the LORD God put the man into the Garden to work it and take care of it? In this same section, he gives the man responsibility for the relationship the man will have with his Creator. Immediately thereafter, the LORD God states, “It is not good for the man to be alone.”

The man cannot do the work, which is a blessing from God, by himself. He certainly can’t produce anyone to help him by himself. So from the man God builds the perfect answer to the situation. He specifically builds the woman—who is part of the man—to be the perfect partner. She will, as the man names her later, be the mother of all the living: Eve.

Made in the Image of the Triune God

In our previous and upcoming devotions, we read what God has revealed through his inspired writers. We, who have put off the old self with its practices, and put on the new self, which is continually being renewed in knowledge, according to the image of its Creator (Colossians 3:9-10), are blessed to be able to listen and grow.

We are blessed to have guidance and insight into the perfect design from the designer himself in a sin-filled world—a world that is hostile to the perfect design of a loving God and Savior, that is clueless about the perfect world created by God. We are blessed to hear of God’s love—a love that forgives and redeems us as his children in spite of what we have done to his creation and what our sins deserve. We are assured and confident that we have been forgiven, and by God’s grace will not get what we deserve because God (Elohim, a name of God which is plural and reflects the Triune God) is LORD God (Yahweh Elohim).

We are blessed to have guidance and insight into the perfect design from the designer himself in a sin-filled world—a world that is hostile to the perfect design of a loving God and Savior, that is clueless about the perfect world created by God.

It is no mere coincidence that the name of God (Elohim) is further revealed as LORD God (Yahweh Elohim) as soon as Genesis moves into describing those created in God’s image. God knew that mankind would fall into sin and need rescue even before he created them. He knew he’d be revealing himself as the God of free and everlasting grace and the God of perfect justice in one being, as incomprehensible as that is. He knew he’d have to rescue mankind from the slavery of sin, and he’d have to teach them who he is through actions of love and laws modeling godly actions. He knew he’d have to redeem us from that slavery and cleanse us in the blood of the perfect Lamb, the Lamb of God. He knew he’d have to renew us in his image through the power of his own Spirit in Word and Sacrament so we too could be raised from the dead to live with him for all eternity. He knew it all and revealed it to mankind in his very name already in the Garden of Eden.

Differences in Men and Women: Created by and Highly Valued by God

What relevance do all of these awesome truths have in my everyday sojourn as a Christian woman? As a redeemed child of God, I am called to be Christ’s ambassador here on earth. I am privileged to proclaim with my mouth who this marvelous God is. I am called to demonstrate with my life and actions what Christ is like. I understand that while I’m unique and indispensable, I am also not called to carry out these tasks in isolation. I am to carry them out as a member of the body of Christ, in partnership with my Christian brothers and the men God has ordained to be here on earth with me.

I am to carry them out as a member of the body of Christ, in partnership with my Christian brothers and the men God has ordained to be here on earth with me.

Our previous and upcoming devotions all look to God’s Word for direction as we live out the unique callings God has created for us as Christian women. He had a perfect design that we rebelled against, yet through the power of the Spirit he shows us how to live out that perfect design. As sinners, we will be tempted to listen to the father of lies. As a woman, it’s the father of lies who tells me I am inferior to men or that submitting to God’s authority and those to whom he’s given it is demeaning. It’s the father of lies who tells me some lives aren’t worth the time and effort to care for or that caring for the sick and weak is a waste of my talents and gifts. It’s the father of lies who says it’s second class to nurture the young. It’s the father of lies who says serving and being humble is foolish or that my value is determined by how much power or money I have or demand. But our designer and the one who created us in his own image says the opposite.

God—the one who designed Eve as the mother of all the living—says to the man that it’s not good to be unable to be fruitful and increase in number. It’s not good to not have insight into relationships. It’s not good to have no one to nurture other human beings—and those outside of the human family as well—if you have dominion over the birds and animals and fish. It’s not good to be alone!

To the man to whom God has given responsibility, God says, “You need a helper suitable to get the whole assignment done. I the LORD God will build one for you.”

He did. And it was very good.

For Further Reflection

1. We don’t have to repeat the same sins the world engages in over and over again because the Word shows us the good and right way. The Lord will work in us “both to will and to work for the sake of his good pleasure” so that we, “shine among [unbelievers] like lights in the world, as [we] hold onto the word of life” (Philippians 2:13, 15, 16). How can you make regular time with the Lord in the Word a reality?
2. Make no mistake, we are out of step with the world. But we know, as much as our sinful minds can comprehend, what God’s design for men and women looks like. We know the blessings it holds for us as we respect and trust God’s plan for us to be working together as men and women, working together with the rest of the body of Christ with Christ as our head. How can you demonstrate and explain this truth to those around you in terms they can understand and relate to?
3. As his body, we proclaim who Jesus Christ is and what he’s done for every human being on earth. We can be part of sharing the awesome Triune God we have—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in whose image we were created and are now being renewed. How can you use those unique qualities God has given you as a woman—a woman part of a congregation—to communicate to, interact with, and serve those you are especially gifted to work with in your congregation?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, Creator of all life and of mankind, Creator of me, as I live out my life as your daughter here on earth, equip me with the full armor of God. Give me the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Keep me alert and remind me to pray for all the saints, the whole body of Christ. Whenever I open my mouth, Lord, please give me words filled with love, understanding, compassion, and your truth that I may fearlessly make known the gospel of your Son, my Redeemer and my Maker too, to all those for whom you have suffered and died. In his name I lay my prayers at your feet. Amen.

 

From Good to Very Good

by Kathie Wendland

The LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. As the man slept, the LORD God took a rib and closed up the flesh where it had been. The LORD God built a woman from the rib that he had taken from the man and brought her to the man.

The man said,
Now this one is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.
She will be called “woman,” because she was taken out of man
For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother
and will remain united with his wife,
and they will become one flesh. (Genesis 2:21-24, EHV)

 

Those who like putting puzzles together know how frustrating it is if someone has thrown away the box that has the picture on it. How can I put the puzzle together if I don’t know how it’s supposed to look, if some wrong pieces may have been tossed into the mix, or if some of the pieces are marred or stained in some way?

For the first five weeks of this devotion series, the attention has been on some important pieces as we try to understand God’s plan for us as Christian women in this world. However, the pieces as we look at them have been marred and stained by the world around us, by the selfishness that’s within us, and by the father of lies himself. How is the relationship between men and women, the two interdependent components of mankind according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:11-12, supposed to look and be lived out?

How is the relationship between men and women, the two interdependent components of mankind according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:11-12, supposed to look and be lived out?

Genesis 1 and 2 provide the beautiful picture of God’s perfect design and purpose for mankind. There is, though, a common feature of Hebrew literature that confuses our western minds. We usually read things chronologically, assuming that what we have read first occurred first.

In contrast, it’s not uncommon for Hebrew literature to begin with a summary account and then expand on a specific portion of the story. Genesis 1 and 2 are a perfect example. Genesis 1 gives the summary of God’s creation of the heavens and the earth in six days and—in passing, it seems—goes from describing creation as “good” multiple times from day three on to describing it as “very good” at the completion of the sixth day. Prior to declaring everything “very good,” though, God created mankind, man and woman, and installed them together as stewards over all creation.

With that thought in mind, read the following excerpts from Genesis 1 and 2 in chronological order: Genesis 1:25-27, 2:7,18,20b-24, 1:27-28,31a (EHV).

God made the wild animals according to their own kind, and the livestock according to their own kind, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its own kind. God saw that it was good.

God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that crawls on the earth.”

The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is a suitable partner for him.”

The man gave names to all the livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every wild animal, but for Adam no helper was found who was a suitable partner for him. The LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. As the man slept, the LORD God took a rib and closed up the flesh where it had been. The LORD God built a woman from the rib that he had taken from the man and brought her to the man.

The man said,
Now this one is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.
She will be called “woman,” because she was taken out of man

For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother
and will remain united with his wife,
and they will become one flesh.

God created the man in his own image.
In the image of God he created him.
Male and female he created them.

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” God saw everything he made and, indeed, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning—the sixth day.

As you think about and look forward to this week’s second devotion, spend some time reading and mediating on the entirety of Genesis 1 and 2. Keep the following thoughts in mind—thoughts that we will explore more fully later this week.

• God declares every complete part of creation “good,” only to state that it is “not good” that man is alone. And after woman has been built from and for him, Adam refers to her as “woman” (a Hebrew word that is derived from the Hebrew word for “man,” just like we see with the English words “woman” and “man”), thus making God’s creation “very good.”
• God says “Let US make man in OUR image” (Genesis 1:26). God (Elohim) says, “Let us…” yet when we read the account of the creation of mankind it’s always, “The LORD God…” (Yahweh Elohim). Why the difference?
• Think of some accounts in Scripture that illustrate the general differences between men and women and their dependence on one another. Can you think of any examples of a man or a woman acting entirely independently of one another, whether or not within a marriage relationship?

For Further Reflection

Meditate on or write about how understanding the chronology of Genesis 1 and 2 gives a fuller picture and better understanding of the account of creation. How does this help you understand the interdependence between man and woman?

Closing Prayer

Lord God, Creator of heaven and earth and all therein, open our eyes and hearts to the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of you. Help us to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is Christ’s love for us, that we may appreciate more fully and trust your perfect design—a glorious design to work together as brothers and sisters who make up the body of Christ here on earth. For Jesus’ sake, we have every confidence that you will hear and answer our prayer. Amen.