Well girls, we are halfway to the promised land! (the end of this book :) This has been such fun for me - and I hope for you. Like we said on the “recommended books” list…life is too short to read bad books. This book has been eye opening and has really changed how I view things… don’t you just love learning how the culture effects your actions (instead of the Word of God…which SHOULD be what is effecting our actions)? Ouch!

The opening illustration of this chapter is incredible. It talks about how she went white water rafting…her first time. It was a shock to her, because she had to learn to be a GOOD FOLLOWER. For some reason, this is viewed as a negative in our culture - when in actuality, we need fewer leaders than followers, right? But, have you ever heard anyone say they are a good follower?

Anyway, her illustration was so right on target because as she said, there could only be ONE leader in the boat. If not, it lead to confusion, people falling out of the boat or even the boat capsizing. She said, there were some very experienced white-water rafters in the boat. But, they understood, even though I am experienced enough to be directing this boat, if I am not the leader, then I will be the best follower I can be. Her quote, “An insightful, cooperative follower is as necessary to the team as a good leader.” God assigned the husband the role of guide. The wife the role of fellow paddler. To be other-focused in our self-centered society is unusual.

Now this is so good and it applies to every relationship in our life. Differing roles does not relate to worth. Just imagine in the workplace…Your boss, he makes the decisions, for the good of the company and the employees. His is a difficult task…to keep the company moving forward, on task, on budget. You may be the accountant. Does this make what you do irrelevant, because you are not the boss? No! Where would the company be without the accountant’s specific role? Role is not equated with worth.

The same could be said about Pastors. Pastors are just people. They are given a gift of leadership and a calling from God to lead. I have seen people  offended by the “role of a pastor”… I’ve heard, “they are acting like they do not have sin” or “they don’t have the authority to tell me what to do”. God placed them in this role, not because they are perfect, but, because God gifted them and called them. That does not make the other roles within the church unimportant. We are a body of believers - we have to work together as a body. And just as the Word of God says, no member is greater than the other (my paraphrase) - just exercising their different roles.

It seems we understand the importance of leadership and the significance of roles and leadership and submission in other areas of our lives, but not when it relates to marriage. Christian marriage is supposed to point the world to Christ. We are an example of how the church relates to Christ. The Bible states in I Cor 11 that Christ is head of the church, the man is the head of the wife. If we are not submissive in our dealings with our husbands…wouldn’t it also be fair to say that we are saying to the world, the church is not submitted to Christ?

This week, let’s take some time to pray about the roles that God has placed us in. Where are we to submit? Where are we to lead? Because as women, we are called to do both! What can we do to lead well the group or individuals God has placed in our care (or area of influence). What can we do to be a “good follower” this week, in the areas God has called you to submit. Take the time to write them down and review them daily until you have this in your spirit! God bless you in this “heart work” this week.

Tags: Church, leadership, pastors, roles, submission

Tags: Church, leadership, pastors, roles, submission
Posted in Book Review