I was one of many who set my alarm clock for the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. As I watched the wedding and read many postings, I noticed that the word “feminism” continues to attach itself to the new Duchess of Sussex. Of course, she has been a feminist and a longtime advocate for women’s rights. I applaud her for her work, but I am concerned that we may be losing God’s order.
The duchess has been given permission to fight for women’s issues such as #MeToo and gay rights, according to a statement following the announcement of Markle’s engagement to Prince Harry, the second grandson of Queen Elizabeth II.
According to an article by Edith Lederer, titled, “Feminist Meghan Markle Is a Longtime Advocate for Women, Including at the UN” dated Nov. 28, 2017, U.N. Women said it, “trusts and hopes that in her new and important public role she will continue to use her visibility and voice to support the advancement of gender equality.”
I’ve noticed after talking with Christian women that feminism and women’s rights seem to be front and center—not only in our homes but also in many of our churches. As a woman who left the homosexual lifestyle 20 years ago, I have an opinion on the subject.
In the past, while living as a lesbian for 14 years, my beliefs were far to the left and I supported women’s rights. When I look at all of the women who have left the homosexual lifestyle, and knowing the hate they have for men, this #MeToo movement could lead even Christian women in the wrong direction. I would never want them to lose what the Lord has taught us in the word regarding His order. He made us, and He knows best how men and women are meant to go through life together, submitting to one another and humbling themselves before the Father.
“But I would have you know that the head of the woman is the man, the head of very man is Christ, and the head of Christ is God” (1 Cor. 11:3).
The headship or authority given to man over woman does not mean man should abuse woman or make her his footstool. She was taken from the rib of man and from creation ordained to be his helper, or, as some biblical translations put it, his helpmate (see Gen. 2:18). Furthermore, in a marital union, the man and woman are subject to each other and are one flesh. Also, as Paul appropriately states in 1 Corinthians 7:4, neither has authority over their bodies.
They are expected to yield to each other in love. The authority that man is expected to have over a woman is one that is under God’s plan for humanity, and involves the man providing strength and wisdom for his helpmate and providing guidance as the head of the household. In marriage he is expected to love, cherish and dedicate himself to his wife as Christ did for the church (Eph. 5:25). However, with sin entering the world, the roles that both male and female should play in each other’s lives have become distorted, both seem to have become each other’s worst nightmare. This has been fueled through the immorality which looms large in the culture today.
This kind of immorality has caused many women to suffer grave injustices perpetrated by men, through sexual, physical and verbal abuse. These injustices were never a part of God’s plan, as the secular progressives would like us to believe and have fueled movements like the Feminist Movement and now the #MeToo Movement. Instead, this is part of the enemy’s plan and our real enemy, as you know, is Satan. He is likened to a “roaring lion who seeks to devour” whomever he can (1 Pet. 5:8b). The main plan of the enemy is to divide and conquer humanity, and right now, it seems he is winning the battle, but of course we know ultimately he loses the war (Rev. 20: 10).
The phrase “gender equality” is being used a lot these days, and I want to share my thoughts on this. While on the surface it seems like a very glorious concept used by the very lettered among us, it can be extremely deceptive. Almighty God created man and woman in His image and as such they are equal, but physically they are different, and hence the roles they play in each other’s life and that of their children are not the same. Their roles must be distinct, or else each can then easily replace the other or be transformed or transitioned to the other. This is in keeping with the LGBT philosophy and what the enemy wants us to believe in these last days. This is not of God and surely not part of God’s plan for humanity.
I hope and pray we never lose sight of God’s plan, which is meant to bring us happiness and fulfillment. This will not happen if hate is perpetuated among both sexes and selfishness and filthiness allowed to abound. The abundant life comes from being unselfish and honoring each person as a creation of God.
Also, we are to live to please our heavenly Father, which involves a life of holiness as modeled by Jesus Christ and expressed in the Word of God. Moreover, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (NLT), “God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.” Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by the rules of God is not simply disobeying human teaching but, in reality, rejecting God and His sovereign plan for their life.
So, let us put aside anything that exalts itself above God and His holy word and that, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, means disengaging ourselves from movements like #Me Too and feminism. {eoa}
Janet Boynes founded Janet Boynes Ministries in Maple Grove, Minnesota, in 2006. She has authored two books: Called Out—A Former Lesbian’s Discovery of Freedom and Arise—The Journey from Fear to Faith. She challenges individuals and the church to reach out with a message of hope and restoration to the homosexual community. Her articles have been featured on the front cover of Charisma magazine, Called magazine, Power for Living, Bound magazine and many more. Her life is proof that the love of God has the power to heal and restore the brokenness in our lives. It’s been 19 years since she was called out of the lesbian lifestyle. Janet travels the U.S and overseas and shares her story of redemption. Her desire is to bring hope through the power of Jesus Christ.
