The Bible Describes Women as Helpers? Really?

A short excerpt from our presentation at the Prairie Community Marriage Retreat over the weekend:

Genesis 2:18 says, “Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”  Now the word “helper,” doesn’t sound very flattering, does it?  What if your husband introduced you at a party and said, “I’d like you to meet my helper?”   It sounds like an assistant, or a subordinate, or one who is of less significance. 

The Lord fashioned woman from the rib of the man (Genesis 2:22).  The Bible commentator, Matthew Henry, who died in the year 1714 and wrote long before anyone tried to convey "political correctness," explains it this way:  She was “not made out of his head to top him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected and near his heart to be beloved.”   

While the term “helper” doesn’t sound very romantic, it comes from a Hebrew term meaning, “to surround.”  The role of the helper is not a secondary one, but a vital role of surrounding a husband with support, encouragement, and comfort.  In fact, the Hebrew word for “helper” used in Genesis 2:18 is the exact same word that God used to describe Himself in Psalm 33:20, saying,  “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.”

In the role of "helper," wives simply make available all the godly qualities placed within us to enable our husbands to lead as directed and to help them develop into the godly men that they are called to be.  For me, it is an honor to be my husband's helper.  I cherish my involvement in his walk with Christ and equally cherish his involvement in mine.  

Have you ever thought of yourself as your husband's "helper?"  Please share your comments!

Well, How DO You Kill 11 Million People?

I am not a book reviewer… nor a critic.  But I feel a need to share a particular book that touched my life this month.  It stopped me in my tracks.  It made me think.  It called me to action.

How Do You Kill 11 Million People? Why the Truth Matters More Than You Think is by Andy Andrews (www.andyandrews.com).   It is a quick, easy read, yet packs quite a punch.  I read it while having my oil changed on a Wednesday.  I passed it onto a friend on Thursday, and she had it at church on Sunday, ready to share it with two more people.  

Andrews has a way of concisely demonstrating how history affects us today in our real-life situations. The book is about truth, or the lack of it, in politics.  It is not a pro-Republican, nor a pro-Democrat writing.  Rather, it is pro-USA and calls citizens to investigate facts for ourselves instead of accepting the word of many politicians, and media outlets, who don’t bat an eye when telling a lie.  

After reading it, I still have the following convictions buzzing in my mind, even two weeks later:

Why do I sit idly by and leave the political decisions of our country to others (especially when they may not consider themselves accountable to Jesus Christ?)

Why does our entire nation tolerate lies from the politicians we elect, at every level, and from both sides of the political aisle?
           
Why do we allow the bias of the media to sway our decisions instead of digging for truth?
 
Why have I allowed myself to believe that as one person, I can’t bring about change?

Why, when the Internet offers such vast information, have I neglected to learn and understand the political process?

How do I justify a lack of involvement that will affect my children and grandchildren?

Why, until now, have I shirked my responsibility to get involved?  

How Do You Kill 11 Million People is one of those books that I can’t stop thinking about.  It’s in my head, and, quite honestly, I can’t wait to get my hands on it again and read it one more time.  I encourage you to purchase it, read it immediately, and share it with as many people as you can.  Accept the call to action to get informed and get involved. 

 2 Chronicles 7:14

 If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

 Lord, help us.  We need your healing.

Speak the Truth in Love

I had a great conversation with a friend this morning about the Apostle Paul, his words in Philippians 1:15-18, and the relevance of those words today.  In our own day and age, there are those who proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives.  Instead of voicing frustration, Paul stated in verse 18 “Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes and I will rejoice.” 

Quite honestly, the hair on my neck stands up when I hear about false teaching or see evangelists who only desire fame and financial contributions.  Yes, I confess, I judge them, and there is no value in that.  There is little I can do when a preacher, teacher or leader – especially those on a national or international level – proceed to mishandle the word of God and act with selfish motives when proclaiming Christ.  Instead, I can adopt Paul’s attitude and celebrate the proclamation of our Savior.

I do feel a measure of responsibility, however, to friends in my circle of influence that may fall prey to such teaching.  When I see a beloved sister in Christ who is misled, I must gently take her by the hand and help her discover the truth.  This can easily become a teaching moment for both of us.  I cannot strive to teach her out of my own wisdom (especially because I do not have great wisdom), but by saying, “Let’s look at God’s Word together and see for ourselves what it says.” 

By helping my sister dig deeper into God’s Word, reviewing any questionable teaching by reading the Scripture in context, and prayerfully seeking the Lord’s wisdom and discernment, we discover the truth of Christ.  With an aim to help her delight in a more complete understanding of God’s character, I can help her see the relevance of the Bible in real-life, current situations.  In this, like Paul, I rejoice. 

Speaking the truth in love means not coming across as if I know every answer, and humbly seeking the power of the Holy Spirit as we walk shoulder-to-shoulder with one another.  Together, we can ask for the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that we can walk in a manner worthy of Christ (Colossians 1:9-10).  Then, we can embrace the truth of Scripture, knowing that our love will abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment (Philippians 1:9).

 

How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,

Who seek Him with all their heart.

Psalm 119:2

(NASB)