Men and women....
Baseball is definitely not my area of expertise, but I find it amuzing and fun to go to the games with a group of friends. Several members of our group had the opportunity to attend a MS Braves game this weekend, and while there, I was reminded of some differences between men and women. First, I learned that most men are actually there to watch the game, and for the most part, could do this in silence. Therefore, I assume that men might not even need a companion to keep them company at a game. On the other hand, most women are there to interact with people (socialize). Women enjoy & need companionship & conversation to enjoy the game. I learned that the proximity to the field is important to the goal of a man watching the game, where as proximity has no bearing on the woman's ability to socialize. I observed and listened to conversations. The men's conversations were based on what was taking place on the field, past games they had seen, and even upcoming games. Parts of their conversation didn’t even have to do with the teams that were playing, but it was about their favorite college or professional teams. The men knew the averages of players from eons ago. On the other hand, the women were entertained by the conversations the men were having, watching the children play, and the events surrounding the game and not the game itself.
One of my favorite quotes of all times is Jack Nicholson, as Melvin, in the movie, “As Good As It Gets”. A woman asked him how he knows women so well. His response was, “I think of a man, and I take away reason and accountability.” Now I disagree with Jack on this issue; however, I do get what he is saying. Men would tend to say that women are too irrational and think with their hearts too much. Women would say that men are too analytical, and therefore, forget the emotional aspects of the decision making process. God has created men and women to be different for a reason and for His purpose.
As we’ve been covering the “Book of Love” series, many of us have started questioning our own roles and asked ourselves if we are living within the boundaries that God has set for us. God designed men and women differently for reasons other than to frustrate us and humor us.
Have you ever thought about why man was created before woman? Think about the order of God’s creation. Read the following verses and study the order in which God created man and woman:
Genesis 2:15; Genesis 2:18; Genesis 2:19-20; Genesis 2:23
For a recap, first God created man and put Adam in the Garden of Eden. Adam worked the land and got it into shape. Then God decided that it was probably too much for Adam to take care of on his own, and so He wanted to give Adam a helper. Next, God made all the animals of the air and land, and Adam named them all. But, not one of these would suit Adam’s needs. After the garden has been tended to, all of the animals are named and sent back into the fields, God makes the woman from the rib of Adam. To me, this shows Adam’s authority before Eve’s and over her as well. From a humorous perspective, I could say that it would have taken a woman forever to whip the garden into shape. It would have been more about the beauty of the garden rather than for the purpose of provision. And if a woman had the job of naming all of those animals, she would have wanted to keep them as pets. Just one look into the big brown eyes of a Phascolarctos cinereus (koala bear), and our hearts would have taken over.
Women, what is our role? Society has definitely tried to redefine the role of women today. Have we allowed ourselves to conform to society’s standards or are we following God’s truth?
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.” 1 Peter 3:3-6
Men, what is your role? Society has actually done you an in injustice. Men are being cast as the weaker sex. More and more men are allowing this to happen.
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9
And Proverbs 4:8-9 refers to wisdom …”She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”
For both men and women, God points out that we should be seeking Him. Women, we all want to be considered beautiful. And men, there is a need within you to be thought of with respect and honor.
There is definitely something that stirs within a woman when she is told, “you are beautiful”. To me, the word “beautiful” means so much more than being told that we are “pretty” or “attractive”. To me, it says something about how someone sees my spirit on the inside and out. Storing God’s word, truth, and love is where our unfading beauty will come from. And yes, men want to be considered attractive as well, but for men, I believe that holding a good reputation and being thought of in a respectful manner stirs something deep within his spirit. A “garland of grace”, a “chain to adorn your neck”, and a “crown of splendor”, speaks highly of how a man is regarded.
Leaving with a question is not something I am fond of doing, but for the sake of self reflection, I’ll leave each of us this….
Women, are we showing beauty from within? Is our beauty coming from the Holy Spirit that should be within each of us? Where are we getting our makeovers from?
Men, how is your character? Are you comparing yourselves to the world’s standards or to God’s standards? What is the foundation of your reputation?
Love to all,
Missy
