27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Genesis 1:27
God purposely created the world and everything in it. He created both males and females in his own image. God did not create people as identical duplicates. All characteristics of both males and females vary across a spectrum. Although the average male is taller, stronger and heavier than the average female, the male spectrum has significant overlap with the female spectrum.
Many people quote 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy in saying that women should remain silent in churches, and that they should marry, have children and manage their homes. But these verses are contrary to Jesus’ commandments. They treat women as one homogeneous group. Jesus would apply the Golden Rule and treat each woman as she prefers to be treated.
Spiritual Gifts
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:4-13
Develop spiritual gifts just like any other talent. If you have a talent for singing, playing the piano, playing sports or something else, you must develop your God-given talent. It takes time and practice to develop a talent into a skill. Even professional athletes still practice.
Note that some people may not have the opportunity to develop their gifts. At the time of Jesus, the law required women to be submissive and silent in church (1 Corinthians 12:34). How could women of the time develop a speaking talent when the law required them to be silent?
Just as you want to develop your talents, you must also encourage others to develop their talents. Allow all people, both male and female, develop their God-given talent whether it is preaching, construction, or child care.
Yes, biology gives women the unique role of bearing children. But few other roles are limited to either sex. I have known families where the man had stayed home and raised their children while the woman is the primary breadwinner. While unusual, it works well for some families.
As long as we treat all people in accordance with the Golden Rule, society will be a better place. We need to let people naturally find their God-given place in life. Forcing women or men into a role we believe they should have creates problems. They will be unhappy and rebel in positions they dislike and/or do not have the required skills.
We are All One in Christ
“28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28 KJV
The Golden Rule states that you love your neighbor as yourself. You are an individual with your own beliefs, talents, abilities and experiences with your own unique position within the body of Christ. Love everyone, male and female, as an individual. No one should be considered weaker or told to be silent because of their sex, nationality, race, etc.