Love this question…What is God’s absolute principle that should guide all our thinking concerning gender reconciliation between men and women? It is equality – absolute equality.

Pondering today what is modeled for us in the Godhead between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – Equality – with no hierarchy in the Trinity, only absolute equality states Vinson Synan from “Women in Ministry” Ministries Today (January/February, 1993), 46.

What was laid down in the Garden of Eden when God, Elohim-a plural unity – created man and woman in His image? Equality. Elohim spoke out of the darkness that He hovered in…and spoke creation into existence – including man and then woman. It was voiced they were both to have dominion, to be fruitful and multiply – both were necessary and valuable to the process of the ability to create life, and have voice!

What absolute is never contradicted in Scripture? Equality.

In early history, from the book of Genesis, people decided to build a tower. There are towers built every day today, but our towers are more subtle than the Tower of Babel for instance. Our modern towers are hierarchies, pyramid charts, and structures that appear to give some people more value than others. Our hierarchical structures begin in pride and self-assertion, not in God or His Word, and then end in injustices based on religion – not Christianity.

Even in Satan’s original temptation to man and women in Genesis 3 – “you will be like God” – suggested that they should assert and elevate themselves. Refuse this temptation! We all have equal value, even though we have unique personalities and different giftings, callings and functions. God created each of these. His integrity determines value and place within the Kingdom. I am reminded often of the Parable of the Talents…will I, as a woman, be a good and faithful servant of all that God has called me to, anointed me to – that I may give a good response when standing before Him being judged as to why I did or did not, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit – regardless of those who have differing views on a volatile subject matter dealing with women and their role in ministry in this 21st century.

God set up a human judicial system in Exodus 18 out of necessity. He gave certain people control over others based on need for order in a sinful, imperfect world. He set authority in earth, whether parents to lead families or leaders for the church or leaders for government, because we have practical need of them to function. HOWEVER, we should not confuse function with value or permission to set limitations.
Each of us is valued before God – and I for one want to walk copying the loving, humble pattern given by the Trinity and backed up by the Word of God. Jesus taught me to wash other’s feet and to serve others. This principle should rule in the Body of Christ and ultimately in every society and every nation: the absolute equality of male and female to serve others as they Go – Preach the Gospel, making disciples where God takes them. Humanity - made in the image of God. Jesus payed the supreme price on the cross for male and female – souls that He deemed are valuable in all kingdom work – so that all might do His will and follow the same call.

…Considering that as the righteous remnant brings their lives into line with what God shows, modeling truth as salt, and teaching others His light through love of equality – the World will respond to the love. More and more individual’s lives will be transformed as the church. Then the nation and world, become more influenced by laying down their opinions, and raising the banner of truth – truth that sets us free – as society grows in grace and knowledge, attaining peace, freedom and prosperity for all. This is God’s absolute for us all.

I for one must respond toward God's purposes, and not quenching or grieving the Holy Spirit at work...but responding in God's truth and not always what the majority of people might believe.

God, YOUR grace still amazes me. Your love is so pure.

Reference:
Cunningham, L. & Hamilton, D. (2000). Why Not Women? Seattle, WA: YWAM Publishing