Conforming to the World

     In a well known verse (Romans 12:2) we are told not to be conformed to this world but to be renewed by the transforming of our minds. James 4:4 puts this more strongly. "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
     Yesterday i went to a traditional church service for the first time in several years (usually i fellowship with house based groups). The pastor chose to highlight the ministries of several groups that minister to the unborn, the poor, and unwed mothers respectively. Representatives of these groups spoke about their ministries. All were female. As the third one came up, he announced that she would give "the Word of the Lord" after her presentation. I listened to the testimony about the ministry and then left the building. Why?
     1 Timothy 2:12 clearly states, "And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man but to be in silence." Now this is not the first time that i have encountered this. In fact I have faced it repeatedly over the last twenty some years. Over the course of that time i have read many books and journal articles devoted to this question, and interacted with people in various settings. I have been driven or eased out of churches on this topic. At the end of the day the eternal Word of God ( Mark 13:31  Heaven and earth will pass away, My words will never pass away), inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21, 2 Timothy 3:16) has not changed. The primary reason is given in verse 13. Adam was formed first, then Eve. This reflects God's will in creation. He could have created Eve first or both simultaneously. He chose not too. The order of creation is not culturally bound nor does it reflect female inability or inferiority.
     In a previous post i wrote about the theme of casual rebellion in American Christianity. This is a prime example. We find something that we don't like or understand and we ignore or rebel against it. May i plead with my readers to respond to God's love in obedience in this and in everything. As Jesus says, "If you love Me, obey My commands." (John 14:15)