CYOA: 1 Timothy 2:1-15 - An Old Issue by Sarah Nickerson

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  This isn't "backed up" by Bibles and commentaries and what the pastor said a few years ago on Sunday but by the theological presuppositions of God's nature. God is loving. God is loyal. God is protective. God is intimate.
  
  On top of all of that awesomeness, God is our father. Somehow I can't imagine a woman who has preached or taught His word in her life (to people other than women or children), coming to the end of her life and standing before the Father and God tells her, "Didn't you read those verses in 1 Timothy? You failed. Even though you led many to my love and peace and blessed countless through the preaching and teaching of my Word, you really shouldn't have. I only made men for that job."
  
  No! I imagine God saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You served me with your time, your talent and your heart."
  
  The New Testament doesn't say to me, "You need to have a penis and a beard in order to preach and teach in your communities and in your churches." It is very sad that many Christians believe this. What I gather from the New Testament and the roles of gender in church is that they don't matter. Rather, gifting/talent/time seems to matter. Paul talks about gifts and talents and using them to glorify God. There are many gifted teachers and preachers who are female--women who follow God's heart, study his Word with passion and speak with wisdom. Why shouldn't they be allowed to teach?
  
  
  I feel like this issue is going to be old in ten or twenty years, meaning that people will "come out of the dark ages" about it, so-to-speak. I hope it will be. I hope my children will come and ask me, "People used to argue about this?" Just like the church used to argue about slavery and burning witches and whether or not indulgences helped you out with your spiritual standing. Come on.
  
  And in the end I don't imagine God will be dividing us up by race, gender, sexual orientation, intelligence, body type or what career we had as we come into his presence. I see his open arms for ALL who loved him, who followed him, who suffered for him, who taught others about him, who loved others in his name, and who invited him into their lives and did the best they could to live in his way.
  
  
  Written by:
  Sarah Nickerson