So you're saying since men wrote the Bible that we shouldn't take any credence to it? So the Apostles and Prophets were not speaking the very words of God and were not sent by God in your view? Why?
What percentage of the whole do they represent? Just because you read about Paul doesn't make you him. He was unique. As were the others you've mentioned. Most people aren't. They don't have the same things in their tool belt.
Give them a blank sheet and they're looking for input. Everyone doesn't have the ability to make something from nothing on their own. When you do it rears its head beyond the church. In your home, job, relationships, etc. The talent is validated.
You're not a leader because you took a spiritual gifts test or you're born a certain gender. You're a leader because you know how to take a concept from start to finish. You carry the ball and cross the finish line every time. When you fail you own it and discover your mistake so the next mission is successful.
Creator. Problem-solver. Visionary. That's a leader. You need all that and more to do it well. Most people in the bible aren't leaders. They follow someone.
If adversity is your nemesis. If you buckle when things go awry. If you have difficulty making decisions. If you can't handle pressure you're not a leader.
Leaders are at their best when things hit the fan. When their back is against the wall. They have a reservoir of strength to draw from. That doesn't mean they're not affected. When they've committed to a path they'll see it through or pivot. They don't throw in the towel and go awol. They're all-in.
It's more than knowledge and skill. It's a spirit too. And I know it when I see it. Just because you're married doesn't make you a leader. That's personal. Familiarity breeds allowances. You don't have the same measure of scrutiny you'd receive elsewhere.
Leadership begins at home. Your life bears witness to your decision-making and how you handle things. That's the first measure of capacity. Then you consider the other areas and look for common denominators. You'll see a pattern.
Conversation is telling. Leaders focus on certain things. They're very single minded. Paul had one page. He pursued his aim with fervor. Leadership brings a strength of will; an internal inferno that's ignited when you operate from that place. You're in a zone. There's nothing like it.
When that's your makeup you'll always be in charge. You'll inevitably be leading something. The better you are the more you'll be asked to do so.
I know this because I'm a leader. I don't need you to hold my hand or your blueprint. I can draft my own and execute it. I have a laundry list of accomplishments which testify to my proficiency. You see it in my disposition, my daughter, work, interests, and so on. I know how to bring dreams and ideas to fruition.
I don't need your input. You're welcome to weigh in. But I'll get it done nonetheless. And it's that mentality that makes me good at this. The ability to suck things up, roll with the punches, confront challenges, and be brutally honest with myself.
I'm fearless. The only person I worry about pleasing is God. You can't be entrusted with big things when you're worrying about everyone else. I've forsaken friends, a career, and relationships to do what He said. My purpose is all. I don't allow anything to interfere with its accomplishment.
I share that to illustrate He knits us differently. I've never married. No one can take credit for the things I've done. He fashioned me with drive, mettle, wisdom, and an insatiable hunger for excellence. That's why people follow me.
To deny the reality of my makeup to appease someone's ego is wrong. I'm a woman and I'm very good at this. Most people aren't. I know that because I listen. I hear their stories. When you're adept at leadership you understand the reality of consequences and choose differently.
Men and women can be called to lead. But dominion differs. The assignment correlates to the person. Everyone isn't a prophet. They don't have what it takes to do that. Many want to be a wolf or lion. If you understood their nature you'd know that's rare. There's more birds than lions.
In my opinion this comes back to humility and contentment. To see the truth, tell the truth, and accept it. These male-female conversations keep happening because that's lacking. A lot of people can't accept how God made them. They want to be different. Have someone else's gift, blessing, or circumstances. They're not comfortable in their own skin.
And when you can't see yourself you can't guide anyone. You're blind and you'll lead them astray. Leadership comes with responsibility. You're accountable. Many men have difficulty admitting they don't know what they're doing, they're uncertain, they need help, and they're afraid. Facing the music is what separates leaders from the rest.
Complementarian vs Egalitarian is smoke and mirrors. The real issue is this. Men don't feel important, valued, or respected. When that's absent extremes follow. The solution isn't looking outward for validation. It's coming home to yourself and discovering why you're here. For such a time as this.
When you're truly on God's page His response is enough. And you'll be satisfied. As long as you're looking to others you never will. You'll keep trying to prove yourself.
There needs to be an honest dialogue about male-female relationships and how they're coping. They need to articulate their condition honestly. There's a lot of feelings of worthlessness and resentment underneath the surface. That's why this keeps coming up. Maybe they'll do it someday.
~bella
