Who Knew Obedience was Radical?

I keep seeing this same book title in the catalogs this month– whether it is just that popular, or whether the words startle me that much every time I see it– and it still catches me with that breathless, weight-in-the-stomach feeling you get when you peer over the edge of a precipice. A Year of Biblical Womanhood….”In a year-long experiment the author tried to follow the Bible’s instructions for women as literally as possible.”

Every time, my head wonders startled, “Is there any other way to get through a year?” And then I wonder which instructions she was looking at. “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience”? (Col. 3:12) Or maybe “…let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” (1 Peter 3:4) Certainly “do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) Definitely “do not be anxious about anything…”  and “rejoice always.” (Philippians 4:4, 6) So much rich truth in there, for all of us who belong to Christ, and is it really that new an idea to put it into practice? What other model for womanhood would a girl want to live by in this year?

I suspect the book has nothing to do with any of that– it could be merely another fad diet plan that claims to be Biblically based– or maybe it is a call for Christians to get serious about their faith, give up some religious ideas for some radical obedience. We can only hope so.

It brings to mind the old classic In His Steps, written around the turn of the 20th century by Charles Sheldon, and ranking as one of the best-selling books of all time thanks to a publisher’s copyright mistake that was perhaps after all, divinely orchestrated.  In the book, a pastor and his congregation are confronted by a homeless man about their lack of justice for the poor, and they take up the challenge to put their faith into action– for a whole year they will face every situation with the question, “What would Jesus do?” and follow in His steps. In the century since, the phrase has become little more than a trite Christian slogan, but in its original form, and in the hearts of those who earnestly sought an answer, it had the power to change lives…to transform a whole town with the power of God.

For me, there is no question that hanging onto God for dear life is the best way to navigate a year.  So when we were looking for a new study for the Wednesdays this Winter, Becoming A Woman of Strength sounded perfect to me. I don’t consider myself a strong person– I feel like I have always known I cannot handle this life on my own. There will be a lot of days that will be too much for me, this year, but there is Someone who can show me how to best live as a woman here in this world.

Sarah Young writes in Jesus Calling that the way to achieve the victorious life is through living in deep dependence on God, and it is in our problems, weakness, and neediness that we learn to rely on Him. Another paradox of the Kingdom, that failures in life accomplish the real success. That’s the real Biblical model of womanhood maybe– to depend on God in our weakness and discover His strength.

So if you are poised on the edge of the precipice, wondering how to live in this year; or if you are challenged by the faith-adventure of following in His steps; if you are looking for a year of becoming the woman God designed you to be, join in our (lifelong) experiment of studying the Bible and putting it into practice. Radical?….possibly. Life-changing?…hopefully. But unquestionably the best way to find answers.

 

“Every new duty calls for more grace than I now possess, but not more than is found in Thee, the divine Treasury in whom all fullness dwells.” (from The Valley of Vision)

“I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living presence is your Companion each step of the way. Stay in continual communication with Me, whispering My name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts. Thus, you can walk through this day with your focus on Me. My abiding presence is the best road map available.” (Jesus Calling, Sarah Young)