City Life Starter

By Stefan Johnsson

I believe a word that Kacee Pate spoke last Sunday that stayed with me is when she said that women are not told to submit to all people, the Bible only mentions to the husband. As we see in 1 Peter 3:1. Though, as a single man, I feel that speaking on this subject in regards to marriage is not my place.

What I can speak to are the work environment and social settings.

As Christian men, it is important that we treat all people, including genders, equally when it comes to work. Looking at a woman as less or unable to do a job is incorrect and wrong. I work in a predominantly female based industry and both of my directors are women. I respect them and believe in them and know that God has put them in these roles for a reason. To submit to a woman in a work environment is not easy as a man in this world if you believe that women are supposed to be submissive. Though, if this is how you think, it has more to do with pride than anything else. As men, we cannot use our strength and power to subdue women. This is not our place to do so.

On the other side, we should learn to look at all women as our sisters. How you treat your sister or defend for her in public settings is a show of respect and care that all women should be afforded. You would want the best for your sister, to help her strive for all that she needs in life and you would not dare to objectify her. This is important because the moment we objectify women is when we start seeing them as such and this leads to greater sin.

As a man, how we can treat women is to care for them as a sister and fight for their right to equality in the workforce. If we can start doing that, the broken relationships within our genders will start to be mended.

Prayer:

God, you are mighty and you knew us before we were even born. Let us see the world through your eyes, to see our sisters/brothers, our companions, our co-laborers as you would want me to see them. May you break down any wrongful thinking that has pervaded my mind and actions. I want to live a life where I can fully understand my role within your kingdom, to work alongside those whom you have chosen, both men and women. Let not my sin ruin what you have created. Please bring me to humility and repentance as I continue my walk in this life. Amen