This may be a hot topic for some, but I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve changed my views on this subject over time. I’ve moved from dogmatically opposed to cautious acceptance to taking my hand off the lid of the box and letting God be God. I’ve come to realize that some rules are guidelines, not always absolutes.

• The posted minimum speed limit on the freeway is 40.
  But in fog or heavy snow, it would be foolish to try to maintain that speed.
• The rule stated that only priests were allowed to eat the holy showbread.
  When there was no other food available, King David ate some of the consecrated bread and was not condemned for his action.
• The fourth commandment says to keep the Sabbath day holy.
  Jesus healed the sick and “harvested” grain on the Sabbath.
• The norm was for male judges to rule over Israel.
  One of the 12 judges in the Bible was Deborah.

The norm is for male pastors to provide church leadership. Can there be exceptions without violating Paul’s instructions to Timothy?

What do you think?