Scripture tells us: God created man in His Own image, . . . male and female created He them. Man was a unit, an inclusive term that brought us all together in one family.
But feminism wants to be specifically named and not be lumped in as an extension of someone else. Out of this philosophy comes inclusive language. Whereas in the past women considered themselves as mankind, no longer. The success of this inclusive sweep alerts one to the tremendous power of the feminist movement.
Even Bible translations have gotten into the act. How can one make a faithful translation of the text and yet be inclusive? It can be difficult, because sometimes the Bible is specific, where it now needs to be inclusive; and so translators have to fudge a bit. Please give me a translation that is faithful to the original.
The White Estate has even been putting out some Ellen White devotional books that have been rendered gender-inclusive. Why are we as a people accepting this tampering? Why are we not protesting more?
Now hear me carefully here. Am I accusing every woman of being a feminist? No. Am I accusing all feminists of believing all of this? I am not. But feminism is a continuum. Society and persons do not remain at the same level. Feminists who were just writing nice books about ordination and equality of position 20 years ago, now promote Woman Church, goddess worship, lesbianism, and whatever. Ask any feminist if he/she believes exactly the same as 20 years ago. Of course not; he/she has grown.
Feminism has its dangers. Our prophet wrote years ago in Testimonies, volume 1 , page 457: Those who feel called out to joining the movement in favor of woman's rights and the so-called dress reform might as well sever all connection with the third angel's message. The spirit which attends the one cannot be in harmony with the other. The Scriptures are plain upon the relations and rights of men and women.
Oh yes, God goes on calling. He was disappointed in the cool of the day when He called Eve. He must have been overjoyed when Mary responded to the angel with such humility, Behold the handmaiden of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.
Today He calls each of us.
1 Peter 2:9 tells us: Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people. He wants every single one of us to be totally involved in the work of His kingdom. Each one of us can feel the quickening of the Holy Spirit as we thrill over a personal application of Scripture. Depending on who we are, the application is different. Humbly, carefully, we take up our assignment and follow Him as He wills.
God can call some men to leadership. He can call women to have a part in public ministry, as well. Dorcas worked in families; Priscilla shared the Word; the Samaritan woman was an evangelist, a witness to what Jesus had done for her. Children and youth are called, as well. The boy Samuel responded, Speak; for Thy servant heareth. Jeremiah thought he was too young, but God assured him: Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.
Sometimes the sphere to which God calls us differs from the one we have in mind. Sometimes He takes us through situations that frankly hurt us very much, in order for us to learn meekness and service. For each of us there is a call in harmony with His order. Our greatest happiness depends on our surrender to the Lord and to His plans.
When God comes calling, He will whisper, Follow Me.
It is not ours to ask, Where, Lord?
It is not ours to plot the destination or the stops along the way; but it is ours to follow. And following Jesus means going down, being willing to be all or nothing for Him. May our answer be: Be it unto me according to thy word. |