Sometimes, women like to get up in arms about a lot of different things, mostly the differences between them and men. We don’t like to accept that there are differences, and so we demand to have the same jobs and same roles and same everything. We should even dress the same and if we decide to be identified as male, even though our anatomy claims otherwise, that should be okay too.
I don’t get it.
I am a woman. I am thankful for the respectable treatment women in the 21st century have. I am thankful that women are afforded opportunities to make a living and have an education. I am thankful we receive health care and can vote for our leaders. But, I don’t want to be a man. I don’t want to be regarded as a man. I don’t want to have his responsibilities or curses (Gen. 3:19). And I don’t know why other women do.
God created us with such a beautiful purpose. Obviously, men have purpose, too. But their purpose isn’t spelled out so beautifully as ours! From the literal beginning of women…well, actually before her beginning, God laid out her purpose: to be a helper for the man (Gen. 2:18).
Men don’t have such a clear picture. The Bible doesn’t say “And God created man for _____.” Throughout scripture we all read our purposes, and of the holy life to which we were called, but it’s nice that our purpose as women is laid out in such a clear, concise manner. To help our men.
Some might see it as degrading, but I think it’s lovely. God created me with a purpose: He wanted me to be a helper. And so, He gave us tenderness, made us perceptive, and put within us gentleness and the ability to anticipate needs before they arise. He made us emotional, our bodies stimulating to our husbands, and our minds capable of juggling a thousand things at once. Why? So that we could help.
There is nothing wrong with being a helper. After all, wasn’t that all we ever wanted in kindergarten – to be recognized as the helper?! Why, as we grew older, did we shy away from honoring this role? Is it because we think the helper is somehow lesser? Because that isn’t what God had in mind at all. Throughout His Bible, He’s showed us how valuable these helpers were. They were created to balance out (and sometimes save – see Abigail) their husbands. They helped saved nations (Esther and Miriam). They helped spread the gospel (Priscilla). They helped the world have a Savior (Mary). Women are great helpers, and it’s time we start owning our role!
In Jeremiah 1:5, the Lord says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you.” Truly this verse applies to us as God’s daughters. Before He formed even the first of us, He knew us. He knew the plans He had for us. He sanctified us as His helpers. Key players in His scheme of redemption. Don’t hate your role. Don’t hate being a helper. Thank God for spelling out your purpose so clearly. Thank God for allowing you the opportunity to look like Jesus day in and day out, through the service you are able to render to His men.
One final thought: in the New Testament, both Jesus and the Holy Spirit are referred to as “Helper” (John 16:7, Heb. 13:6). What an amazing, amazing thing to be considered in the same role! Truly there is no shame in being a helper. Instead, what an honor and privilege we have as God’s women to serve those around us!
