Some men, including myself, find it very hard to be the Biblical definition of masculine, especially with the way women have become. It bothers me immensely to see women stepping up to the heads of the households, wresting control away from their husbands, and commanding them like a captain controls his first mate.
The world view of masculinity has cheapened it. Men are portrayed as bulky, strong, pig-headed, insensitive, testosterone-ridden, and overbearing. They're supposed to be smooth, suave, manipulative, and above all, conniving. Women are SUPPOSED to feel insecure around them...or, so the world says. The world is wrong, of course.
Yet, the "Christian" definition of men has also been somewhat distorted by the world. While Christian men are often caring, kind, and compassionate, they are also domineering, perverse, and lukewarm in Christ. They can be distant and aloof, not paying attention to the children and not loving their wives in they way God meant for them to be loved.
So, what is the Biblical definition of masculinity?
You have to understand that the definition of masculinity is the same for each man, while the way in which he implements that masculinity will be different. You can be married and be masculine. You can be single and proud of it and still be masculine. You can be a widowed father with 3 kids and still be masculine. In fact, the Biblical definition of masculinity begins long before a woman enters the picture.
Men, you are supposed to be compassionate, caring, and gentle, but you are not supposed to allow your wife to dominate you. You are to submit to your wife, yes, because in God's eyes, you are the same. No woman is better than any man, and no man is better than any woman. God, however, established the pattern for a family back in Genesis after the first sin: Eve was told that her desire would be for her husband and that he would RULE OVER her.
Husbands, let me explain what ruling is. Ruling is not domineering. It has never been domineering. Ruling is kind, benevolent, and gentle, but firm, just, and righteous. Ruling is relying on the subjects because they supply your needs, and in return, protecting them and serving them. Yes, SERVING them.
Do you remember the days when men used to hold the door open for a woman? Do you remember when men would pull a CHAIR out from a table so a woman could sit down? Do you remember the days when a woman would enter a room and EVERY MAN IN THE ROOM would stand immediately and offer her his seat? I remember, because I'm trying my hardest to be that kind of man.
This post is already kind of long, so I'll make another one tomorrow. Until then, men, please do as the Bible tells you. Practice compassion and servitude.
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