If there was ever a tough time to be a pastor’s wife, it is now.
Many within Christendom are reeling. Discontent, power-hungry, unwilling to deny themselves and live humbly before God.
I describe the current landscape as one of massive disorder, born from selfishness. From Monday through Saturday countless church attenders are immersed in social media, heeding the world’s mantra: Stand up for yourself! Do whatever feels right.
And then, come Sunday, when beckoned to obey Scripture by denying self, pursuing holiness, submitting to King Jesus, and repenting of sin?
No thanks!
There is nothing new under the sun, and a cursory glance at the Book of Judges reveals the tangled mess that enslaved Samson and the people of Israel.
Judges 21:25 says “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
This is precisely where we are living today. Love for God’s Word is swiftly declining, and although many claim to champion Bible reading, current statistics, (and rotten spiritual fruit) speak to the contrary.
Not too long ago I found myself in an uncomfortable situation. On this day, in a tiny women’s gathering, a passage of Scripture was so grossly trampled and misconstrued to suit the facilitator’s fancy that I spoke up, offering a clear description of what the text said. I was swiftly countered with a quote from a secular magazine rather than God’s Word.
Although dumbfounded, I held the line with courtesy, conviction and additional Scripture. I was only able to do this because I treasure the Bible, understanding it to be inerrant. Plainly put, I will not suffer false teaching. It invites others into spiritual death and dishonors our precious Savior.
Dear sisters in Christ, souls are at stake.
I ask now, will you pursue holiness by pleasing the Lord and heralding truth? Or will you buckle, tickling ears, people-pleasing, shrugging, and smiling to keep false peace within your small group, Bible Study, and church?
These are important questions to ponder before such situations arise.
And they will.
Later that evening, after correcting false teaching, I received word from a quiet woman who had been in attendance. She thanked me for sharing biblical clarification.
I knew something seemed off, she said, but I do not yet know the Bible well enough to defend myself.
Pastor’s wives, we are Gatekeepers of Truth. Women are listening to what we say, and what we don’t. What is being touted as wisdom by the world is foolishness in God’s eyes. We are in dark days, and surrender to God through obedience to his Word will cost you, dearly.
May we lovingly shine the light of truth into the darkness and seek to do what is right in God’s eyes.
Isn’t Christ worth it?
For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
From those who walk uprightly.
-Psalm 84
