Authentencity

Last week I was talking to a young woman, married and in her late 20's. She was talking about being a Christian woman in the church. Every week she has the same struggles we all have had, rushing to get ready, dress the kids, feed the family, get them to the car, trying not to scream and yell, but not always successful and occasionally angry with her husband. Arriving at the church, everyone is all smiles and gives the appearance of the "perfect" Christian family. We are in the age of competition and appearance of "perfect".

It most women come to church like that, what does it say for authentic Christianity? Not good things, that's for sure. What is the women's leader responsibility to help this situation disappear? The symptoms indicate that women in the church do not understand their value in the Lord and the freedom that comes in learning that identity as His child.

Teaching is the key to correct this problem of living a life of bondage to ideas of perfection. Mentoring is critical and the spiritually mature women should ask the Lord where they fit in this situation. Training of mentors and leaders about this problem is the first step. There are various resources for setting up a Mentoring Ministry and those can be helpful in building the one that suits the church you are in and the women of your church.

Secondly, evaluate the Bible Studies and themes that are used for Women's Ministries in the church. What will bring them into the understanding of their position in the Lord. Biblical principles and a knowledge of the Word and its personal application is most important. Planning the year ahead for a purpose is a possible solution for this thematic teaching.

Third, is to live by example, let women know that you as a leader are like them in everyway and that you struggle with the same issues. Share how you have overcome some of these things with the help of the Holy Spirit--write and speak your testimonies and incorporate the testimonies of other women.

We as women are created in God's image, we are His children, we are daughters of the King--Princessess. We should live in that confidence and know our value and identity in order to be able to live authentic and healthy Christian lives.