my place
Over much of my life, there’s a phrase I’ve heard sweet women in the church say that has always stunned me and gotten stuck in my ear. It gives me pause and makes me wonder how many deeper conversations we really need to have… and if those conversations can even be had.
The phrase is, “I know my place.”
Too often it’s said by a woman, in the context of marriage or ministry, going along with something at the expense of her voice or gifts or embodied presence in the process.
It used to stun me speechless. But now, it ignites a fire in my bones and I cannot stay silent.
So, dear sister in the Lord, let me remind you of your true place…
God has appointed when and where you should exist, embodied in time and space (Acts 17:26).
You are adequately equipped for every good work He has called you to (2 Timothy 3:17).
It is God who calls you, and therefore will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
And we do not take this honor upon ourselves, but we receive it when we are called by God (Hebrews 5:4), called a royal priesthood by God (1 Peter 2:9).
As His saints to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:12), each part doing its part (Ephesians 4:16).
You have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). You have the Helper, the Spirit of truth from the Father (John 15:26-27). You can accurately handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
And just to be sure you don’t hear me saying, what I’m not saying…
This does not mean that you are perfect or will lean in perfectly… and this does not disqualify you. Perfection is not God’s standard of you. That’s the good news of the gospel. You aren’t perfect. Jesus is.
This does not mean you are not subject to authority. Godly authority fills, lays down its life, serves. Godly authority does not take. Godly authority does not seek its own kingdom. Godly authority does not seek control over you. But seeks to fan into flame the gifts God has given you, to love and lead you towards greater fulfillment, towards growth and change where you need it. Not to stifle you or silence you.
This does not mean you are now junior Holy Spirit and get to go around playing judge and jury to everyone around you.
Just like they ran a campaign to flip the narrative of “play like a girl” on its head… let’s flip the narrative of “I know my place” on its head…
Because, I do know my place. And it wasn’t given by anyone so it cannot be taken by anyone.
My place is called, equipped, blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed, filled and gifted…
My sister friend, do you know your place? Because I know your place. Even if you don’t. Even if those around you don’t.