Who would have dreamed that the feminist movement of the 60s would be so very successful? Fifty years ago they were writing about the “true value and role of women in our modern society.” They told us that “enlightened women” would never be content with their life until they “rid themselves of house and husband, and the idea that they need a man.” Their views were so bizarre I never would have believed they could have the influence they have today. Even young Christians planning their marriage must realize that, to some degree they have been affected by the power of “feminism.”
Woman was not put on earth to be a mere “playmate” or sex object. Nor was woman intended to be the slave of men. In Genesis 2:20-24 woman was to be man’s “help meet,” or one who is “suitable”, one who can help them both to accomplish all that is necessary and good. Nothing in the text suggests she is inferior to man or of lesser value than man. God made her, not from his foot that she might be trod upon. She stands by her husband’s side in a most honored position.
It was “not good” for man to be alone. Woman filled that void so both of them could be whole and complete. So much did they “fit” together that man was to “leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Which of the two blades of a pair of scissors is more valuable? Can one be effective without the other? The two jaws of a pair of pliers – which one can do the job without the other? Just so, the man needs the woman, and woman the man. To argue that either one is more important is folly. They are both dependent upon each other, 1 Corinthians 11:11-12.
In some cultures, men and women have been mistreated. Some men fail to recognize the value of their wives, thereby relegating them to a role that is inappropriate, even demeaning. That can be improved only when we are willing to change our attitude toward others.
What should be our reaction to this phenomenon? Human beings are no strangers to the inhumanity of other human beings. It has been around since the beginning, and it has known no gender boundaries. It is very interesting that Jesus spoke often about the attitude that should characterize relationships between men and women. That attitude is summed up thus:
“All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets,” Matthew 7:12. We have called this the “Golden Rule,” because of its pervasive nature. Note that this “rule” is not a negative one, though it does restrain those who would take advantage of or intimidate others. It simply says, treat others as you would want to be treated. Some limitations are inherent in this principle, but how well it works when we put our heart into it.
If men would consider the depth of this passage, then treat women with the respect they want for themselves, it would diminish the injustices that have come to some women. If each and every person would merely consider what he/she would regard as fair and just treatment of them self, than respond that way, men and women, old and young, blacks and whites alike could live and act respectfully with each other. But if we ignore the needs and wishes of others, the strife will continue.
God has designated some roles for males and others for females. Their roles indicate neither superiority nor inferiority, but effective and efficient use of talents and skills. In God’s sight, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus,” Galatians 3:28.
Nothing in the history of man has resulted in more equality among diverse groups than the Bible. If only we all would merely acknowledge that the Bible has the answers to this and all issues between people, how much better all our relationships could be. Remember those two blades in a pair of scissors, both dependent upon each other. That is what this is all about.
Equality in Christ: that is a most beautiful concept. And, it is what God wants for His creation.
