Calling All Men, Part 1

Esther 10:3 (NLT) He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants.

My husband and I are reading a book titled, “what’s the difference? Manhood and Womanhood Defined According to the Bible” by John Piper. This book is very intriguing so far…to say the least. It’s amazing to me (us) how manhood and womanhood is defined and intended by God (our Creator) and how the world seeks to redefine or mold us differently. Also, how the world tries to lie about what God intended in the first place. For example, almost every commercial or sit-com represents the man/father as an incompetent oaf who is tolerated at best and openly mocked at worst.

The gender differences Piper describes from the Bible are not based on tasks, skill level or intelligence – it’s based on desires and intent or motives…it seems so far anyway, we haven’t finished it yet.

John Piper has a working definition of manhood and womanhood –this week and next I’ll share about manhood, after I’ll share his biblical insights on womanhood.

“At the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, provide for and protect women in ways appropriate to a man’s differing relationships.” Piper’s disclaimer: “…the definitions are not exhaustive. There is more to masculinity and femininity, but there is not less.”

1.      “Mature masculinity expresses itself not in the demand to be served, but in the strength to serve and to sacrifice for the good of woman.” This means not only his wife and daughters but his mother, sisters, “sisters” in Christ and those women he may work with or have social interaction. Luke 22:26 (NLT) But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.

2.      “Mature masculinity does not assume the authority of Christ over woman, but advocates it. …that means leading his wife forward to depend not on him but on Christ. And practically, that rules out belittling supervision and fastidious oversight. It is meant to rule out all disdaining condescension adn any act that makes a mature woman feel patronized rather than honored and prized. 1 Peter 3:7 (NLT) In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

3.      “Mature masculinity does not presume superiority, but mobilizes the strengths of others. No human leader is infallible. Nor is any man superior to those he leads in every respect. In Ephesians 5:28-29 the wife is pictured as part of the man’s body as the church is part of Christ’s body….This rules out a leadership that treats a wife [or women in general] like a child. Moreover Christ does not lead the church as his daughter but as his wife. He is preparing her to be a “fellow-heir” (Romans 8:17), not a servant girl.”

4.      “Mature masculinity does not have to initiate every action, but feels the responsibility to provide a general pattern of initiative. In a family the husband does not do all the thinking and planning. His leadership is to take responsibility in general to initiate and carry through the spiritual and moral planning for family life. …illustrated in Genesis 3:9 when God says to Adam first, “Where are you?” Eve had sinned first, but God does not seek her out first. Adam must give the first account to God for the moral life of the family in the garden of Eden. This does not mean the woman has no responsibility, as we will see. It simply means that man bears a unique and primary one.”

TO BE CONTINUED…Courageous