I am sometimes asked, “What do you preach and practice regarding the woman’s place?” This question usually comes from pastors and members of churches which go to great lengths to “keep women in their place”, and wonder if I am in agreement with them.

My reply is this: “The Christian woman’s place is on a pedestal!”

This is certainly true of my mother. While I have met many admirable mothers, the one the Lord provided for me was the perfect one for me. She also is the one I would now choose to have been my mother if the choice now were mine. This son will gladly “rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28a).

My wife also belongs on a pedestal. While I have met many other admirable wives, none would tolerate and love me as she does. I often remind our children that she is the most remarkable woman I ever met. And certain of my friends remind me whenever they see us together, “Moose, you outmarried yourself!” They are right. “Her husband ... praises her” (Proverbs 31:28b).

And the other faithful women in my church belong on a pedestal. Like my mother and my wife, they love the gospel and endeavor to ascertain that their conduct is becoming to it. And although they are aware of the many shortcomings of their pastor, they faithfully support and staunchly defend him and his ministry. I agree with the ancient heathen who said, “What women these Christians have!”

“But,” my questioner may now continue, “do you enforce the Scriptural admonition ‘Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says’?” (1 Corinthians 14:34).

Yes, I do! Godly women obey this commandment, and I will let them do so, and will not force them to do otherwise. God-fearing women are voluntarily submissive to God’s law and in His church, and I will let them be so. Gospel-loving women refuse any temptation to call themselves into a preaching ministry, and I will let them do so. Christian woman spurn the likes of her whom Christ calls “that woman Jezebel” (Revelation 2:20-23), and I will let them do so.

Thankfully, the women I pastor are such women.

What is the place for such a godly woman?

Put her on a pedestal!