What History Actually Says About Obedient Women

This is a Guest Post from S.D. Smith, my encourager, my support, the man in my corner.

There is a quotation/bumper-sticker going around which says “Obedient Women are Never Remembered in History.” This is, plainly, a lie. Have a short read in the Bible and see how many names come to mind.

So many heroic, obedient women are honored by God in his Word: Shiphrah, Puah, Mary (a towering example I love), Mary (another Mary, the storied worshiper –directly proclaimed by Jesus to be remembered in History everywhere he is remembered), Sarah, Rahab and on and on and on. I love these stories, these histories, and long for more and more women to be encouraged by this kind of bravery.

Note to the makers and promoters of this slogan: God’s Word is the best-selling, most-read, most-remembered history book of all time. One mention of humble Mary –“Let it be to me as you have said”– in the Word is remembered more than all the proud repetitions of that lying saying.

So, beautiful women of God, do not give in to fear as some have. Be strong and courageous. Laugh at small-hearted and weak-minded folly for what it is.

Note: History remembers evil people pretty well too. It’s not the point. And obedient men are also remembered in history. A disobedient man makes for a lousy, often wicked, leader of a home. There is no warrant for abuse of any kind. There is a warrant for sacrificial, Christ-exalting love and tenderness. On a husband’s role: “Do not envy him his crown, it is a crown of thorns.” –C.S. Lewis in The Four Loves.

Most importantly: humility, obedience, submission, surrender, recognition of having no standing with God apart from Christ –this is what defines a Christian. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Among its laundry list of flaws, this slogan (“Obedient women are never remembered…”) is primarily anti-Gospel. It’s bad news.

We must inoculate ourselves from this pervasive, perverse folly, which is rooted in idolatry, envy, pride and FEAR.

Do. Not. Fear.

Turn away from the constant noise of nags, scolds and masculinists (somehow usually called ‘feminists’) and every envy-based folly that pretends to be your savior. Get around some encouragement in truth, some content and joyful women.

Mostly: Believe the actual Gospel. Reject Moralism (even conservative Moralism, it’s also from Hell and if that scares you it might be your idol).

Be glad. Be pleased with your actual God and his actual plan. Get happy about it.

And come out swinging.

S.D. Smith is Gina’s husband.