A Caveat: Liberty in Christ

Part Three: Biblical Femininity in the Workplace

My purpose in studying this topic is not to wade into the debate regarding when women “can” or “should” work. There are many reasons why women need to work or why they choose to work, without taking the time to discuss those reasons my focus here is to provide guidance for women who are in the workplace that they might adorn the gospel.

When we use Scripture as the starting point then each of us can develop biblical convictions regarding our role and responsibility, first as believers and then as women. And while convictions, grounded in God’s word must remain stable, the application of them in different circumstances and stages of life may change. Growing in understanding God’s purposes may ultimately cause some women to make different decisions regarding their career path; or they may choose to change their focus to their calling at home or in vocational ministry, My prayer is that will come about as the result of God’s word and the work of the Spirit in individual hearts.

Romans 14 and 15 provide helpful guidelines for how we can hold to our convictions and yet not hold in contempt our brother or sister who has a different conviction nor cause them to stumble.

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions….One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.
(Romans 14:1, 5-6 ESV)

And, importantly:

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother….For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
(Romans 14:13, 17-19 ESV)

Key principal, “let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” In this discussion this is always my goal, that women will be encouraged in the pursuit of Christ and that the gospel will be adorned.

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
(1 Timothy 1:5 ESV)

(Start at the beginning of the series here.)