Questions to Think About for Application

1. What does Scripture teach about women working outside the home?

Generally, we are not given instructions about all situations or problems we encounter, as was Israel under the law. Paul provides general guidelines to guide us. At times, Paul gives his judgment on marriage using general principles he learned, which becomes the Word. (I Cor. 7:12,25) We can use doctrine given for women and wives (Eph. 5: 22-33) and merge it with general admonitions to the Body (Eph. 5:1-21) to make wise judgments in life to live unto God.

Should you work outside of the home?  A few ideas: Discuss it with your husband: consider doctrine, and your purpose and joint goals. Ponder the impact on you, your health, and ability to serve, along with current responsibilities and convictions. Whatever you decide, glorify God, continuing to evaluate,  reflect, and adjust as needed.

2. Should a woman supervise men in a work situation or at Church?

This is an adult believer decision by considering the situation, doctrine, and convictions in your inner man. Study it for yourself, but also with your husband, discussing it together, then make the decision. Ask questions: ‘Is it in line with the general teachings written to the Body of Christ, and those specific-ally to women?’ ‘Is it compatible with my marriage and husband, but also my desires/perspective?’ ‘Is managing men consistent with sound teaching and my convictions?’ ‘Will this glorify God?’

3. How can a women learn to deal with unwise or ungodly thoughts in their head?

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God,  and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (II Corinthians 10:5)

While this is impossible for man to do on our own, God provides a few things in Romans 6-8 that can help you understand how to deal with an ‘unwanted thinking record’ in your mind, perseverating on topics:

-A choice: Realize we decide what we focus on by what we allow in our thought life. When unwanted thoughts begin, pray to access God’s power and wisdom. (Rom. 6)

-Yield: Live unto God, closing un-fruitful windows of thinking (Rom. 6) to put off unfruitful thoughts.

-Dwell: Replace unwise thoughts with sound doctrine/verses to be renewed with what God has taught you in His Word. (Rom. 12:2)

-Trust: Believe and rely on God’s way of thinking and functioning. Think and pray about how to live these doctrines. (II Cor. 1:9)

-Walk: Purpose to live in line with who you are and what you know by faith, closing the window of unwise, ungodly thoughts. (Rom. 6)

*Note: Whenever we desire to change a behavior, begin by focusing on what you are minding. It’s not to be your fleshly efforts, but by faith, trusting God the Word within you. The fruit will be what is generated by the Spirit.