God created woman to be a helper (Hebrew: ezer). God knew man would not be complete without woman to help him remember and trust God’s Word, be a good steward of all that God has made, and build a culture of life.
In a fallen world, however, woman is challenged by Satan, sin and her own doubting nature. But there is hope in Jesus Christ! And, because of Jesus Christ, there are countless opportunities for each ezerwoman to make a positive difference in her home, church and community. Where can ezerwoman begin? By making use of a resource I call Ezer’s Handbook. Let’s begin with opportunity #1 —
#1 — MENTOR FROM A HOUSE BUILT ON FIRM FOUNDATION
The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down (Proverbs 14:1).
Build on The Word. The Word is Wisdom. It is unchanging Truth. The Word provides everything a man or woman needs for living in today’s world, meeting today’s challenges, and mentoring generations. Paraphrased Bibles are fine for personal reading, but don’t count on them for accuracy. Highly recommended is The Lutheran Study Bible (ESV). The commentaries offer historical and archeological evidence as well as Greek and Hebrew origins of words.
Prepare for the Battle of Worldviews on Sex and Sexuality. Begin with the Bible study Men, Women and Relationships: Building a Culture of Life Across Generations. This twelve-lesson study is appropriate for men and women who are single or married. Although the world tells us that men and women are the same, no different from one another and both just “sexual beings from birth”, God tells us we are far more than that. (This Bible study with leader’s guide may be ordered from Concordia Publishing House #LFL901BS or by calling 888-364-LIFE.)
Be Equipped with Resources. Married or single, a woman has a sphere of influence that leads others to–or away from–God. How are you mentoring biblical womanhood in your home? From your office? At school? In the your church and community? You will find resources for mentoring biblical womanhood at Titus 2 for Life and The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.
Be Careful Who You Let Shape Your Worldview. Ideas of sex, sexuality, love, relationships, marriage, motherhood, morality, clothing, behavior and life in general are mentored in one way or another by every newspaper, magazine, website, TV commercial or self-help book. As a follower of Christ, it is our responsibility to be discerning. WORLD and CITIZEN are publications that offer a biblical perspective in contrast to Newsweek and Time. Websites with current information offered from a biblical worldview rather than humanist perspective include Parental Rights, Answers In Genesis, LifeNews, the Family Research Council, MercatorNet, and Concerned Women for America.
Use Spiritual Discernment. A Titus 2 mentor reaches out with the Truth of God, both Law and Gospel. We are called, however, to be discerning in the proper use of each. The woman who doesn’t recognize her sin is in need of the Law, but the woman who has been convicted of her sin longs for the Gospel (Psalm 32:3-5). A suggested book that will help you better distinguish Law and Gospel — as well as the time and place for both — is Handling the Word of Truth by John T. Pless.
Mentor, Don’t Preach. The woman who builds her house on firm foundation must be prepared for “hot button” issues that stir memories and emotions. In our circle of relationships are women who have been mentored by someone with a humanist or feminist perspective. Among us are women who have been wounded by a past abortion, divorce, or physical or mental abuse. Jesus never compromised the truth nor did He break an already bruised reed. May we, too, speak truth with a gentle love for souls. One very effective way to mentor without preaching is story-telling. No one can deny the lessons learned from a person’s real-life experience.
What’s next? #2: Mentor Confidence in the Created Order.
Ezer’s Handbook is a resource developed
by Linda Bartlett and presented at Titus 2 Retreats.
Ezerwoman's Blog 