Isn't this hypocritical?

With Palin's nomination, the feminists are exploiting this unusual opportunity to challenge Christians who believe that God gave women and men different roles in the church and the home. In his outstanding article at the Washington Post, Al Mohler answers the question with a simple, "No." He says it's not hypocritical for the simple reason that God does not give any directives for a woman in the public office—only in the church and home. He also observes that a woman's most strategic place for impacting life has been and will always be as a mother and wife.

But why would God say a woman cannot be pastor but remain silent on a woman's role in the public office? Although the Bible addresses every ultimate question, it does not tackle every specific question under the sun. God chose to deal with the far more important matter of a woman's role in the home and church. To be a mother and wife is the most honorable and influential position a woman holds. Yes, as President she might influence more people and will probably end up in the history books, but nothing can compete with the influence a mother has upon her children in the home—children whom she makes food for, teaches, admonishes, disciplines, encourages, comforts, and laughs with day after day, as well as influencing her husband whom she influences, serves, and loves. Joseph E. Persico tells in his book Eleventh Month, Elevenths Day, Eleventh Hour how the most common last word on a soldier's lips as he lies dying on the battlefield is "Mother." 

The feminist question, "Is it hypocritical for a woman to be pastor but not President?" implies that to be President is more important than to be pastor. Politically, socially, and economically this is true. But in God's eyes, is there any position more important than one who shepherds His flock and feeds them the Word (1 Pet 5:1-2)? To be appointed to proclaim God's Word is not only the greatest honor but the greatest position on earth. Consider the qualifications for being President compared to being a pastor:

In light of qualifications, it's easer to be President of the United States than pastor of a church of 150 people. To be president, you just need the right citizenship and age, something millions can achieve with ease. But to be a pastor is a daunting bar to clear and one possible only by the miraculous life-changing power of God through His Son Jesus Christ. To be one who stands for God as His mouthpiece and as an undershepherd for His sheep is the most important position in the world, for to change a heart is a greater challenge than to change a nation.

Many Christians told Bill Bright that he should run for President. Bill Bright replied "To be president of the United States would be a great privilege but actually a demotion compared to the higher calling God has given me."¹

Endnotes

1. Michael Richardson Amazing Faith: The Authorized Biography of Bill Bright (Colorado Springs: WaterBrook Press, 2000), 152.