In dealing with gender equality, are we tracking the eye of a hurricane? Gender issues turn out to be avid storms in biblical studies. It rides the crest of the wave. It strikes at the heart of the storm. Gender equality has the powerful potential for radical transformation. It transforms the human heart. It makes people humane enough to see their neighbours as themselves, one in Christ.
What does gender and gender equality mean? Gender is a specific identity by our
society that defines male and female. Gender
equality is the equal rights and responsibilities of men and women,
that is not gender differentiated. Beneath the smooth facade of gender
equality is a deep-rooted, socio-cultural system that is characterised
by
inequality, an injustice to be confronted and overcome to give freedom
and justice for all. Equality between men and women is a basic human
rights issue to deal with.
Where is the Church in this gender debate? How does the Church view gender and gender equality? How does the Bible construct gender according to God's laws? We must bring our beliefs under the spotlight of God’s Word to live our lives in faith. God has given specific principles for His Church.
To study gender roles in the Church, we must obey the Word of God. People must understand that their value does not depend on their gender role but rests solely on their relationship with Jesus Christ. The Word of God defines their roles so that they can live in His will and come under His authority. The Church must reflect what God intends for humanity. When we obey God’s divine plan for His Church, we will become the Church of His heart, His chosen ones.
The Bible affirms the equality and value of men and women concerning their spiritual inheritance. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” - (Genesis 1:27). “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There in neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise”. - (Galatians 3:26-29). In God’s eyes, men and women have equal worth as Christ died for our salvation. Our standing with God depends on our relationship with Him, and not on our gender. God’s love for His Church is reflected in the hearts of His people.
In dealing with gender equality, the Biblical picture of leadership is to serve as the Servant Leader. We are not to claim our rights to authority over others. We must serve one another. True Biblical leadership is the ultimate form of servanthood, walking in the footsteps of the Master. Christ has all power and authority over all the earth. His kingdom reigns over all. Yet He humbled himself more than anyone else. Jesus washed feet and served. Here is a challenge for all who are called to lead in Christ’s Church. This is true Christ-like leadership, following our Master, who served with His life's blood.
Where is the Church in this gender debate? How does the Church view gender and gender equality? How does the Bible construct gender according to God's laws? We must bring our beliefs under the spotlight of God’s Word to live our lives in faith. God has given specific principles for His Church.
To study gender roles in the Church, we must obey the Word of God. People must understand that their value does not depend on their gender role but rests solely on their relationship with Jesus Christ. The Word of God defines their roles so that they can live in His will and come under His authority. The Church must reflect what God intends for humanity. When we obey God’s divine plan for His Church, we will become the Church of His heart, His chosen ones.
The Bible affirms the equality and value of men and women concerning their spiritual inheritance. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” - (Genesis 1:27). “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There in neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise”. - (Galatians 3:26-29). In God’s eyes, men and women have equal worth as Christ died for our salvation. Our standing with God depends on our relationship with Him, and not on our gender. God’s love for His Church is reflected in the hearts of His people.
In dealing with gender equality, the Biblical picture of leadership is to serve as the Servant Leader. We are not to claim our rights to authority over others. We must serve one another. True Biblical leadership is the ultimate form of servanthood, walking in the footsteps of the Master. Christ has all power and authority over all the earth. His kingdom reigns over all. Yet He humbled himself more than anyone else. Jesus washed feet and served. Here is a challenge for all who are called to lead in Christ’s Church. This is true Christ-like leadership, following our Master, who served with His life's blood.
© Miriam Jacob
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