I consider myself to be the most liberated woman in the world.

WHAT do I mean by liberation? By liberation I mean the same thing women’s liberation groups, equal rights advocates, and the global population of women have been striving for since the Garden of Eden. Simply put, to live a life of equality among all human beings, with mutual respect, appreciation, dignity, purpose, and goals.

WHERE in the world is this liberation possible? This liberation can only be possible in the heart of the woman who has made Jesus Christ the Lord of her life. (Joh 8:32) “…ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Christianity, while placing the woman on the same level platform with the man regarding the blessings of the gospel, does place the woman in a position of subordination to the man; especially in the relationship of marriage. This God ordained subordination allows the woman to enjoy the protection, strength, guardianship, and love which her weaker and gentler nature requires without the threat of losing her liberation. Divine mutual submission between a man and a woman is a totally blessed command of God, which reaps its own rewards in marriage, children, and enterprise.

WHEN did this liberation take place? God’s perfect plan for mankind was implemented in the week of creation. God created man and put him in the Garden of Eden. Then the Lord God said, (Ge 2:18) “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” (Ge 2:21-22) “And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof: And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” Herein lies an extremely significant design of creation for the woman. The Lord chose this mode of creation to teach a tremendous truth. The woman being formed from a rib of Adam (unlike any of the other creature creations, which were earthy) indicated their being of one flesh; (Ge 2:23) “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh…” Their being made of one flesh was intended to demonstrate the unique character of the nuptial bond, which cannot be duplicated in any other relationship. This very close and intimate relationship was designed to complement one another as counterparts yet being as one. Tragically, after the fall, God’s perfect plan for His Adam and Eve and future mankind was demonically distorted, and the everlasting consequences are shown in (Ge 3:16) “Unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” Thus, the man/woman struggle for supremacy began and continues until and unless a born-againexperience takes place in the hearts of men and women.

WHY is a liberated woman so important in God’s plan? The Lord wants to restore the woman’s relationship to where it was before the fall. Christianity does not teach subjection of the woman and supremacy of the man. The woman is given as a helpmate and her relation to the man was constituted as one of protective dependence, not of oppression, and certainly not slavery, as it is too often seen in heathen and Mohammedan countries. The Christian woman is greatly valued in the Eyes of God as seen in (Pr 31:10-31). “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

What an incredible mandate the Lord sets before his handmaids, truly we are the most liberated women in the world through the decree of the Master Creator.