In our society, men always seem to believe that they are better and greater than women and for years now women have competed for the idea of leadership and headship. Now is this right?
Men and Women were made for different purposes, we have different roles and this is how we were created. The most important thing to mention is that we are equal in value and dignity. God doesn't view men as being higher than women, nor the other way round. We are equally loved and valued to God. So how are our roles different?
In simple, Men were made to lead. However, this doesn't mean in a selfish arrogant way. Men should lead with grace and humility, asking and listening to advice and help from others, especially women. Where does this idea of leadership come? Well, from the Bible.
- Adam was made first
- Adam represented the human race
- Adam named Eve woman, like God named Adam - the one who gives the name has the position of authority
- God named the human race "man" not "woman"
- Adam was accountable for Eves sin - After the fall God came and asked Adam what had happened.
- Eve was made for Adam. She was made as a helper. Now helper isn't an offensive, down grading term because it is often used for God, "God is our helper"
- After the fall, God placed conflict between Adam and Eve. "Your desire will be for your husband and he will rule over you ". Some scholars have interpreted this to mean that women will resist the authority Men have over them.
- Ephesians - women submit to your husbands and husbands love your wives.
- Ephesians - Paul refers to the mystery of Adam and Eve to Christ and the Church. Jesus is the head of the Church and the church is subject to His authority. This is the same for Husband and Wife, The husband is the head of the marriage and the wife is subject to his authority.
- Parallel with the trinity - God the father has authority over God the son and it is even mentioned that God the son sits at the right hand of God the father. However, they are both equal in their attributes but there is a difference in role.
It is important to mention that having the position of authority doesn't mean there is more skill involved, that the person has a better talent in it. Just like God the father and God the son, they have the same attributes, they are both all loving and all knowing.
I've noticed that in our culture, women are trying to take the lead and men are taking advantage of their position of authority. Women need to realise that submitting to their husbands and loving them and serving them is actually how we were created and if you allow it you will feel the peace in your spirit. And Men need to realise that women are blessed with wisdom and that they are there to encourage and support. When in a marriage the husband has the responsibility to make the decision in something, however this should be done after discussion with their wife and should be made with respect and love for her. You shouldn't take advantage of your position and this is linked to the verse in Ephesians where it says "Husbands love your wives".
So, what was the purpose of this post? Maybe to make us all think about our roles and how we can start living the way we were created. We were made different for a reason and we should embrace that.
