I started the 'walking in purpose' series in March, talking about how our identity and where we are now is an integral part of our purpose, and how your focus and energy shouldn't be on the ninety-nine, but the one. Building on that line of thought, this hit me.
I'm beginning to think that 'to what end' isn't a question we ask ourselves, and when we do, most times, we settle for the most mundane or shallow resolve.
On Sunday, I spent almost an hour getting wisdom from a conversation with a dear friend. As girls-in-their-prime that we were, we flooded some crucial areas with light, and of course, marriage was one of the few. It is already an obvious truth that relatives and others who are married, would gradually increase the accelerator on the 'when are you getting married' phrase as you grow older. While she was asked, she answered with 'to what end', until the oppressor couldn't pass the 'raise children' answer.
I'm big on marriage, so this is not me talking it down. I probably haven't come to terms with the load of commitment that it requires, but I love marriage regardless. I just don't think doing stuff without a clear vision is a good idea.
Marriage is not an end. I don't believe that there's a woman on earth whose sole purpose is to be married and raise kids. Marriage is good, we all desire companionship.
In the eyes of God, both men and women are seen as equals when it comes to responsibilities, but men uphold authority over women, for order to be maintained. When God said "go ye into the world…" He spoke to them both with the same command. When He said "I am the vine and ye are the branches…", we both were attached the same. God doesn't expect less from you in terms of kingdom business because you are a woman. So 'I couldn't because I got married and bore children' cannot let you off the hook. Not to say that your ministry excludes your family.
I thought to talk about this because we as females in this part of the world are blinded to purpose. Purpose isn't marriage, or business but both can play a role in it.
Let's look at popular women in the bible, shall we? I'd give you names and their purpose.
Rebecca (Genesis 24); she brought great comfort to Isaac (vs 64). Comfort goes beyond bed warmth and marital frivolity. Read again.
Esther (Esther 4); gaining influence to save Mordecai and her people
Deborah and Jael (Judges 4) ; both were wives, Deborah was a judge, but God used both of them in different ways to bring victory to Israel. See vs 10 for a shocker.
Rehab (Joshua 2); Rehab wasn't married, but she had an occupation. God used her to save the spies and it was from her lineage that Jesus came. Her purpose.
Priscilla (Acts 18); she was married to Aquila (more like the power couple) outside marriage, she taught. Apollo learnt from her as well. The church in Ephesus had fellowship in their house because they were known for their hospitality and warmth. She was fulfilling purpose alongside her husband.
This isn't about marriage alone, how often do you ask yourselves "to what end", when you are about to make decisions in your life? How often are your answers not shallow?
I want to do this, why? To make money. To what end?
Start focusing on living a purposeful life. You were made for more! Get in the right mindset and seek to be fruitful whether married or not, rich or poor, able or disabled.
Wealth isn't the end, just like marriage isn't.
For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21 NLT
Shalom ✊🏽
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