"Every Woman's Call to Work: Embracing Our Purpose and Overcoming Challenges"

Every Woman's Call to Work

What does work mean to you as a woman? Does it bring joy, fulfillment, and purpose, or does it evoke shame, guilt, and inadequacy? The world's messages about women and work can be conflicting and confusing, but as Christians, we can turn to the Bible to understand our call to work.

The Biblical Call to Work

When God created humans, He gave them work to do. In Genesis 1:28, God commanded Adam and Eve to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." This mandate to rule over and cultivate the earth is a call to work.

The Bible also provides examples of women who worked outside the home. Ruth was a gleaner, working in the fields to provide food for herself and her mother-in-law (Ruth 2:2). The Proverbs 31 woman was a businesswoman, buying and selling goods (Proverbs 31:16). And Lydia was a successful merchant who hosted Paul and his companions in her home (Acts 16:14-15).

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul commended women who were "workers at home" (Titus 2:5) but also praised women who worked in ministry alongside him (Philippians 4:2-3). In fact, Paul's list of qualifications for church leaders includes both men and women who are "able to teach" (1 Timothy 3:2, 5:10).

From these examples and teachings, we can see that work is not just a man's domain, but a calling for all people, including women.

The Dignity of Work

Work is not just a necessary evil to be endured, but a God-given means of fulfilling our purpose and contributing to society. In Colossians 3:23-24, we are told to do "whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." When we work, we are serving God and His purposes.

Furthermore, work is a way to love our neighbors. In Ephesians 4:28, we are told to work "with his own hands, that he may have something to share with anyone in need." When we work, we are able to provide for ourselves and others, and we are able to use our skills and abilities to bless those around us.

Therefore, work is not just about earning money or status, but about fulfilling our God-given purpose, loving our neighbors, and serving God.

The Challenges of Women and Work

Despite the biblical call and dignity of work, women face unique challenges in the workplace. Gender discrimination, unequal pay, and limited opportunities can make it difficult for women to thrive in their careers. Additionally, cultural expectations and pressures can make it hard for women to balance work and family responsibilities.

However, these challenges do not negate the biblical call to work or diminish the value of women's contributions in the workplace. Rather, they call us to advocate for justice and equality, support and encourage one another, and seek creative solutions to the challenges we face.

Embracing Our Call to Work

As women, we can embrace our call to work by seeking to use our gifts and talents to serve God and others. Whether we work outside the home or within it, whether we are mothers or not, whether we are in paid employment or volunteer work, we can glorify God through our work.

Additionally, we can support and encourage one another in our work. We can be advocates for justice and equality in the workplace, and we can seek to create environments that are welcoming and supportive of women. We can also seek to mentor and disciple younger women, helping them to discover and develop their unique callings.

Conclusion

Work is not just a man's domain, but a calling for all people, including women. As Christian women, we can embrace our call to work, recognizing the biblical call and dignity of work, while also acknowledging and seeking to overcome the challenges we face. Through our work, we can serve God and others, fulfilling our God-given purpose and contributing to society.

References:

• Genesis 1:28


• Ruth 2:2


• Proverbs 31:16


• Acts 16:14-15


• Titus 2:5


• Philippians 4:2-3


• 1 Timothy 3:2, 5:10


• Colossians 3:23-24


• Ephesians 4:28

Let us embrace our call to work with joy and purpose, trusting in God's provision and leading as we seek to serve Him and love our neighbors.