The many roles of the Christian woman

The Christian woman is young and old, single and married, raising a family with a spouse and as a single parent, caring for children and caring for aging parents, working at home and working in the marketplace. We have many roles and many stages in our lives.

Balancing all of them is difficult but can be learned. It starts with accepting who we are and the current roles we play.

We will look at our different roles as a Christian woman and address obstacles and how to get around them.

Stay at home mom

If you are a stay at home mom then you might be looked down upon by some in your church as not as intelligent, backward, or unable to find a signficant job.

If this is where you absolutely believe the Lord wants you to be then live for Him in this role. Do your absolute best to learn to be a godly woman who will teach her children how to follow the Lord.

It is a hard job to be with kids all day as those of you who do it know. But many women who have filled those shoes have raised up godly men and women who have gone on to impact the world in significant ways. Your job is of the highest value.

Leadership

If the Lord has called you to leadership, in whatever position or capacity, then your only answer is "yes." You must spend time with God and make sure you heard Him correctly. Check your heart and your motivations. Is there anything inside you that is pushing for a high position rather than a heart to serve wherever He asks? If, after careful and thorough examination of your heart before the Lord, you have peace that it is indeed God's will for you to step up, then be obedient and do what He is asking.

Both men and women sometimes will oppose a Christian woman in leadership. Unless you know that you know that you know God has called you, AND that you have Biblical grounds for this call, you will not have rest. Be strong in the Lord, serve Him well, love others as He did and always take a humble, servant-leader position.

Be only what the Lord requires of you and let those who oppose this take it up with Him.

Working Mom

If you are a working woman then you might be looked upon as one who doesn't really love her kids as much as she should. You might be seen as one who only has low quality time and attention left to give your kids. You might be seen as wrongly ambitious, missing the "calling" of a Christian woman and competing with your husband for authority.

Whether you have to work due to financial constraints or you want to serve the Lord in the marketplace due it with integrity, honor and love. You can be a light in the darkness in your workplace. Go to work with God each day and work for Him rather than others. Please Him with your efforts.

If others have problems with your working, it is just that - their problem. Christian women in the workplace that truly know Christ have opportunities to reach others, show Christ, and glorify Him in a way that others might not have. Your job is of great value.

Single Woman

If you are a single Christian woman then you might be looked on as having missed the mark. Maybe it is wondered just what is wrong with you that you can't seem to find a husband. It is hoped that you will marry and have children so that you will be "okay."

The apostle Paul said that if possible we should stay single because we are less distracted then from serving God. If that is your calling then you are chosen of God to live a more focused life for Him.

If your desire is to marry then wait on the Lord. Allow Him to be the love of your life and deepen your relationship with Him. He knows the desires of your heart and He is good. He will take care of you and has a plan for your life. Find your rest in Him.

Divorced Woman

If you are a divorced Christian woman, then you might be seen as damaged, unworthy, or inadequate. Others might think that it is your fault and if only you had "(fill in the blank here)" then your marriage would have worked. You are seen as less fit to serve Christ and His church.

Let's say the divorce is your fault, that would make it sin. Scripture tells us that when we ask for forgiveness He is faithful to forgive us. If God forgives you, you have no right to hold it against yourself and neither does anyone else.

In any case, you need to heal. You need to grieve. You need to learn to undo the way you related that led to the divorce (your part) and become healthy in every way.

Single Mom

If you are a single mom often others do not understand how difficult life is for you. You most likely work all day or maybe have two jobs to make ends meet. In addition, you have the home and kids to care for. Every errand is your responsiblity, every chore at home yours to see that it is done.

For whatever reason you find yourself raising your child or children without a partner, know that you are not alone. The Lord Himself is your husband, the Father for your children and the Provider for your life. Draw as close to Him as you can.

He has also provided a family for you in your church. Don't try to do all this by yourself. Reach out to other women, ask for help when you really need it, find those who will pray for you, listen to your heart and come alongside you and your children. If your church isn't there for you, call them on it. You do your part and ask the church, the body of Christ of which you are part, to do theirs.

Life may be difficult but the Lord loves you to your very core and has a plan for your life to prosper you and give you hope. Grab hold of Him and His promises for you.

Older Woman

If you are an older Christian woman you might be seen as one who has lost value to contribute, as one that won't understand the world today and the needs in it. You may be relegated to Bible studies for "older women" and find yourself no longer integrated into the body of Christ.

It hasn't always been that older women were devalued and it should not be now. Scripture is very clear that older women are to disciple younger ones. You have walked through the things that many young women are just now experiencing. You have made mistakes and victories that we can learn from.

Many of you have walked with the Lord a long time. You have seen His faithfulness and His answer to prayers. We need to hear this when times look hard and God seems far away. We need to celebrate years of life with Christ.

You are needed, please engage and don't let anyone push you aside.

Many Roles, One Lord

A Christian woman is a daughter of the King. Whatever their life circumstance, whatever role or roles they are living, the most basic premise of their lives is that they are loved, cherished, prized and cared for by the Lord. All women need to find themselves first in Christ. Until you feel whole and accepted and secure in Christ you will be susceptible to the whims, opinions and desires of others for your life. The role you fill today is to be the place where you serve God, AND, you can find your joy and purpose with Him in that role.

Share with us your role with Christ

As we hear how we live and serve Christ, it brings us closer and creates connection. We start to value the differences in our ways of serving God through our various roles as a Christian woman.

It would be an encouragement to hear your story. Just click this link to go to a page where you can write your story for us to read.

I'd love to read yours.

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Biblical Study on Christian Women

You might want to read a study on Christian women in the New Testament and the various roles a Christian woman played.

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