Women’s Freedom

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

These words of Jesus were said to people - religious people - who were in a match with Jesus about what makes you, and whether or not you are - free.

On multiple levels this applies to us as we look ahead to International Women’s Day.

There’s a lot of responsibility to keep free that which Jesus has made free.

My husband works in HR. As a Human Resource leader, his role is to develop leadership and drive sound ethics across his company. Cam does this. And he does it well.

He’s also a senior leader at our church, just outside of Philadelphia, PA, in the U.S. As a white man, he’s constantly growing in his awareness of the issues of power and privilege. The male/female thing is just one of those issues. (Have I mentioned we’re in a complementarian church? Meaning, women cannot hold roles such as preacher/pastor/elder.)

As Cam’s wife, I’d be lax in not bringing up the topic of Jesus and His declaration of what makes us free. Jesus quite clearly states: I declare who is free.

International Women’s Day is Friday.

If you’re a man, take your freedom and use it to understand and generate freedom. Get out in front of the issue of women’s freedom.

Ask God what that may mean for your church, your work place and your home.

Because “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” means more than a spirit-filled life that will guarantee heaven. Genuine freedom as granted by Christ Jesus has immediate and obvious outcomes now. It’s agreeing and cooperating with what Jesus has said and done.

Let me wrap up this week’s devotional with a great suggestion from psychiatrist Viktor Frankl:

“I recommend that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast be supplemented by a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast.”

What a great idea.

~Nancy

I’m real because God is so real.

CALLING

Do you see your freedom as coupled with responsibility? Ask a woman you know and love how she feels around the issue of freedom in the church.