The Capable Woman

Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. (Luke 8:1-3)

Someone mentioned these verses to me a few years ago. I must admit I'd overlooked them for many years. I find it interesting in ancient culture that Jesus' ministry appears to have been financially and physically supported by women, while the men seemed to primarily be witnesses, some emotional support and occasionally ministers of God’s word to others in Jesus’ name. Though the bible is very clear on gender roles it's interesting to note that so many women loved, provided for and ministered to Him the way loving mothers or sisters might. 

We so often see in modern times how the roles of men are seen as somehow better than the roles of women and yet it has been women who have in many ways been closer to Jesus' heart and ministries. It was women who Jesus first revealed Himself after His resurrection. It was a woman who with an expectant heart listened and believed at His feet. It was women who seemed to not only listen but to act on what Jesus taught. It was women who supported Jesus financially. It was women who had the boldness to stay with Him when nearly all others left. It was the example and gifts of women in Timothy’s life which Paul reminds him (almost as a sort of spiritual inheritance) to follow, not the men. It was a woman (my mother) who certainly had the most impact in my life both in an emotional and spiritual sense. However, it often seems many times the real life examples and the verses which detail the impact of women are somehow overlooked or seen as unimportant in the church and so perhaps the roles of women are seen as unimportant. As a result young girls are taught to believe they can fulfill the roles of men as well or better than men. And why not? Women can be as smart, successful and strong as any man right? Then the question becomes: what is the purpose of having distinctive roles? Can’t men do what women are called to do and women what men are? Shouldn’t positions and roles in life be determined more by ability rather than God?! A woman deserves the same benefits men have when they fulfill their roles; the same fame, power, money and opportunities for success in life… Right?!

My mother has been one of the wisest, intelligent, gifted, loving and godly people I’ve ever known. If she really wanted to I’m sure she could’ve been anything she put her mind to. However, she made a choice early in her life that she wanted to be a housewife and spend her time and energy into pouring into her family, especially her children instead of a career. Some women may think to themselves “what a waste!”, but my mother never regretted her decision to pursue what she believed was right. I’ve learned that just because you have the ability and competency to do something doesn’t mean you should pursue it. We have the choice to take the gifts, or crowns, God gives us and either put them on our heads or lay them at the feet of Jesus. It’s really just that simple. It should be clear that any of us can justify any of our actions, no matter how wicked. I read Hitler’s book a few years ago and found that he had tons of justifications, which sounded so good for a moment, even though Hitler is widely known as one of the most evil men of the 20th century. Even Hitler found seemingly valid justifications for the horrors he let loose on this world, so imagine how easy it would be to justify using the gifts God has given us to pursue wealth, fame and power in the Christian community?

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. (John 12:43)

Now I’m not suggesting that every woman should fill some sort of stereotypical role or to be a slave to her family or even a stay at home mom. Neither would I suggest that men seek out fame, money, power or success. The roles were never intended to promote personal agendas but rather to leave room for God to work through us, while truly trusting in Him to provide for us. Men who teach and/or lead certainly have the opportunity to garner favor, fame, power and money if they seek this. Just the same women can garner fame even from their roles. Look at mother Theresa, even though she herself never wanted the fame, she has it none the less simply because she fulfilled her role as a woman of God in loving and ministering to the physical needs of the least of these and it was noticed. Most godly men and women fulfill their roles and never receive any recognition for it. My mother made a choice to be a stay at home mom and never looked back. She saw this as her service to Jesus and the best way to glorify Him was to pour into her three boys and her husband, my dad. She made the decision to stick by her husband even though he wasn’t the easiest person to live with and even though he didn’t meet her every need. She had the opportunity to use her gifts and talents to prosper herself, but she didn’t. There have been plenty of women who have seeming done much more than my mother and women who have certainly been way more popular, rich and famous than my mother, but I’m convinced God saw what my mother did and her reward is based on how much she loved and her obedience to God rather than on how successful she was, at least in a worldly sense. Fame and money will ultimately burn. It is our ability to be obedient to God, to love others and trust in Jesus which builds up eternal treasures.