Hot Topic>Self-preservation or Self-exaltation (Part I)

Self-preservation is the state in which a person takes measures to protect themself from harm or damage. In this day and time there seems to be a prevalent sense of self-exaltation being confused with self-preservation. Many times it comes when one is not being recognized or appreciated as they think they should be as opposed to delivering one's self from danger. I believe it started in the 60's with the "women's liberation" movement. For those of you who don't know what I am talking about, I will briefly explain. Women were encouraged to stand up and fight for their rights. (Rights are important.) They were encouraged to be strong. (That's great!) But when women are encouraged to fight for their rights and be strong in a spirit of rebellion, then it's wrong. As a pastor's wife, I have noticed through the years a real need to feel significant. I have also noticed feeling an overwhelming sense of obligation to make a difference in this world for the Lord. How much of this is of God and how much of this is self-acknowledgement? There seems to be a trend among many Chrisitan women these days developing their own ministries regardless of the support and oversight of godly authority. Another problem is the fact that the divorce rate among Christians is astronomical. Women are finding their independence, but how many of these Christian women are in error? When we submit to godly authority, God has an amazing way of honoring us and fulfilling our needs. We all have the need for significance. We all need love and appreciation. As we humble ourselves, God will honor us. After all, God's honor is what we should want above all. In light of Benny Hinn's wife filing for divorce and her ministry coming to light, I thought that this is something I must look at. We cannot set ourself up as judge because we are not. God only knows their personal issues and that is between them and God. I believe we must come to our own conclusion on this subject and to the best of our ability line ourself up with God's view point. In the next few posts, I will cover the Biblical stance on the subjects of divorce, women in ministry and submission. We then can make an assessment for ourselves so we can know what is required of us. We can only know for ourselves regarding the choices we must make in life. I am looking forward to delving into this hot topic! You can e-mail me for comments at redeconna@aol.com