I think it is sometimes difficult for women to find their places in the body of Christ. We are consumed with having our voices heard, getting equal pay for equal work, getting ahead, or showing that we are as good as the men and can do anything they can do.

This is even happening in the church today. Women want to be in the limelight, being recognized for their abilities, and not left out. Some think they are more capable of directing the church worship than the men. Some think the church is just being old fashioned and following traditions of men.

When we study the scriptures, we know this isn’t true. God’s plan is for the men to be in charge and take the lead in worship, and women are to keep silent.

So what does God expect from me as a Christian woman? Paul tells Titus in Titus 2:3-4 (NKJV), “The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed”.

Obviously, the young women should be receptive to learning the things Paul says older women are to teach. Younger women do not always want to listen to older women, but these instructions are from the inspired Word of God. Older women are to teach; younger women are to listen.

Paul told Timothy in I Timothy 2:9-12 (NKJV), “In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence”.

These are not traditions, but they are commands given by God. They are just as applicable today as they were when Paul wrote them. God bless us as women, Christians in the Lord’s body, that we will obey God’s will.

Sandra Oliver