Men
and women have fundamental differences in body and soul, but they complement
each other by these difference. We think on diverse levels, react to life in a
different way, and have dissimilar passions and roles.
This
fact may cause conflict, if we allow Satan to have the victory by driving us
apart; or, as God planned it, we can dwell together in humility and unity, and
allow our differences to make us a stronger couple.
The
most effective aspect of life that draws us together is our salvation through
Jesus Christ. When Jesus is Lord of our individual life, and also in our union
as a pair, we are stronger together than if we lived alone.
We
submit to one another as co-heirs with Jesus of the Kingdom of God (Ephesians
5:21). We do not attempt to outshine, outdo, outmaneuver or out manipulate each
other. We work together in impartiality, and
find a route in life that is agreeable to both of us.
This
means that we have an equal voice, role, responsibility and blessing in our
marriage, church and the world around us. Men are not superior over women, and
women are not subservient to men, but we work together for our common good.
Women are honored for their skill-sets, talents, strengths and
even their weaknesses. Weakness does not denote traits that are undervalued or
disdained, but as a balance to a man's strength. Women also have strengths that
men need in order to stabilize their life.
Marriage
is not a competition between two people, but a melding of two individuals into
one flesh (Mark 10:8). We have genetic and mental
differences between the genders, but God designed these differences to stabilize
one another through our individual strengths.
That
is how God designed this union called marriage. We cooperate with each other,
prefer one another, shower one another with appreciative compliments, and
follow the guidance of God's Spirit together.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for sending Jesus to free women and slaves
from bowing to the dictatorial attitude and actions of men. You count us as
equals with Christ as our head. We are both responsible to hear from Your
Spirit moment by moment throughout the day, and to pray about any disagreements
until we find a mutually equitable solution for all of our differences.
You proclaim in Your Word that You are the head of men, and men
are the head of women, but You never meant for men to lord this position over
women. Instead, You instruct men to lead with their heart full of a love, and with
a servant attitude (Ephesians 5:25).
Thought for the Day:
Behold how good and pleasant it is when we dwell together in unity
to further God's Kingdom in our individual lives, our marriages, our family,
our church and our community.
- Psalm 133:1
