Here is the hook line from a news article appearing on-line today. "Imagine Sarah Palin as a role model for millions upon millions of young girls around the world." Let's do that. Imagine Sarah Palin as a role model for millions of young girls.
Consider her history. Beauty pageant contestant, sports reporter, outdoorswoman, mayor, governor, vice-presidential candidate. And of course, wife and mother. A remarkable and exciting life. A born again, and as far as we know, evangelical Christian to boot. Sarah obviously possesses great skills. She has been gifted by God. But what role does she model?
You must admit that her professional and public life has had the preeminent place. She is not well-known because of her work in the home. So how will young girls who wish to emulate this Sarah grow up? Undoubtedly looking for success in any of the public roles Sarah played. But is this what Christians should really encourage our young girls to do. Should millions of young girls choose this Sarah as a role model?
Consider another Sarah, Abraham's wife. Her complete story is told in Genesis. But it is Peter in the New Testament that explains her character and role most specifically. 1 Peter 3:1-6. Likewise, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, so that if any do not obey the Word, they may also be won without the Word by the conduct of the wives, having witnessed your chaste behavior in the fear of God. Of whom let not be the adorning of garments, or outward braiding of hair and wearing of gold, or of putting on clothing, but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, the meek and quiet spirit, which is of great price in the sight of God. For so once indeed the holy women hoping in God adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands; as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose children you became, doing good and fearing no terror.
Note that the adornment of women like this Sarah is a meek and quiet spirit. This is not the kind of woman who "takes the gloves off' to attack an opponent. As disreputable as he may be. Is it possible to wear a meek and quiet spirit while campaigning for political office? Or conversely has Governor Sarah forfeited that which is of great price in the sight of God to pursue the dream of man?
Paul tells us through Timothy that the Christian women to be honored most are those who have a reputation for good works, who have been one man women, (not at all flirtatious) who have brought up children (not necessarily their own,) have shown hospitality to strangers, washed the saints feet (acted in service to others,) assisted those in distress and devoted themselves to good works. (1 Timothy 5:9-10) The priority of this kind of woman is the home and family.
Consider the role of women described to Titus, especially 2:5. They are to be "sensible, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands." All that and the preceding verses for this reason- "that the Word of God will not be dishonored." Would this Titus 2 type woman leave her pregnant teenage daughter to spend hours- days- away from home to pursue her own interests? Would she leave her Downs Syndrome infant in the constant care of others, hoping to establish a maternal connection by proxy? Which Sarah most closely follows this biblical pattern? Which Sarah runs the risk of dishonoring the Word of God?
Ah yes, but what about Proverbs 31? Here is a 21st century type woman. Did you notice when you read that passage last that the chief operational sphere of this excellent wife is her home? Household is mentioned three times. There is nothing in this chapter that suggests she is running a business for profit or even looking outside the home for anything that will not assist her in her role as wife and mother. Her husband sits at the gates as a town leader and praises her for her work at home. That parallels exactly the New Testament.
Perhaps the church should share some of the criticism. Has not the evangelical church become so distant from political affairs that it simply trusts the Republican Party to do the right thing? Or take its cue from culturally and politically active Christian organizations. You know as long as they use Christian and family or Christian and legal in their names they certainly can be trusted. So if the Party or its partisan followers approve of Sarah Palin, she must be okay. But it comes down to this. What does the Bible say? That is the only God-inspired message available. And the only message needed for all the issues of life.
Which Sarah should we want to be a role model for our little girls? The political Sarah or the praised Sarah? I do not believe the Bible leaves open the possibility of both.
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