I was so privileged to be able to interview Lauren Pinkston a couple of weeks ago regarding the way we typically approach women’s roles within the body of Christ. For the entire interview, I’d love for you to check out Wifey Wednesdays episode 13. But for today, I just wanted to share a few thoughts on the subject as a supplement to those of you who are Wifey Wednesdays followers, or a random thought for those of you who aren’t. =)

Nobody’s questioning God’s pattern for leadership within the worship setting. No one is demanding that women be preachers or prayer leaders or elders. That would go against God’s plan (1 Timothy 2, 1 Timothy 3). However, we are asking that women take a good, long look in the mirror and ask themselves what they’re capable of.

Too often, we put women into a box. Or, better yet, a house. But what if that women is a teenager? Or single? Or a widow? Or doesn’t have/want children? What if that woman loves her husband and loves her household but also wants more? What then?

The Bible doesn’t tell women that they can’t do more. Sometimes other Christians do, but the Bible doesn’t. Instead, it tells women (and men alike) to live a life of purpose, a life of zeal, a life of evangelism. It tells us to make Christ the center of everything: every conversation, every activity, every choice. And that doesn’t only revolve around my physical home.

I am one of those women who finds this box difficult. I love my house. I love my husband. I love cooking and cleaning and even laundry. I love having a happy husband, and I love finding ways to show him I respect him and the ways he works hard for me. But I also lived 23 years without a husband, and during those years, I found passions. Passions that I long to use for the Lord.

And so maybe you’re one of those women who is looking for something more. Maybe little kids scare you a little. Maybe the thought of homeschooling is completely overwhelming. Maybe the thought of teaching a class full of adult women is the most terrifying thing you’ve ever imagined. That’s ok! We’re all different members of the same body, and we can all fill different roles. Once and for all let’s agree that we don’t all have to do everything the exact same way! I don’t have to be great at baking things for people who are sick. You don’t have to be great at writing heart-felt notes. As long as someone is taking care of someone else, and no one is being overlooked, we’re doing this Christianity thing right.

So use whatever your passion is. Are you an extroverted people-person? Souls need to be brought to Christ – souls in the grocery store and hair salon and post office. Are you introverted? Can you write cards? Can you train your household? Can you lead by silent but modest example for the teenagers in your congregation? Don’t put yourself in a box. Instead, use all of you to do the Lord’s work. That is where we find fulfillment. When we offer up our entire self to God and ask Him to use us. After all, that’s what being a living sacrifice is all about (Rom. 12:1).