Intention in Distinction
"As one holds, there's something in a women beyond all human delight; a magnetic virtue, a charming quality, an occult and powerful motive. The husband rules her head, but she again commands his heart, he is her servant, she his only joy and content." The Anatomy of Melancholy, Section II, R. Burton
These words were penned almost exactly 400 years ago by a man who dedicated his life to studying texts. By the time The Anatomy of Melancholy was complete, it was as lengthy as an encyclopedia. A man who analyzed the world and studied human nature was compelled to write these lines--the institution of marriage fascinated him.
For the past two weeks, I've been studying the psychology of women through the "similarities perspective." In other words, men and women aren't so very different, according to the author. As I read through the text, I became more and more disturbed as I watched the author break down the dignifying differences bestowed upon men and women.
The nurturing spirit of a woman was categorized as merely an imposed cultural influence, rather than a natural part of her being. The strength and leadership of a man was "put in it's place" under the title of unnecessary.
My heart began to break. The distinctions between men and women are needed for a sustainable society; they hold great purpose. What happens in a world where our God-given identities and roles are questioned?
The family breaks down.
Society falls apart.
And we are left with a culture that chooses to blatantly rebel against the very nature that has been placed within them. The essence so often missed is His intention in the distinction. There's a reason why God told the wife to submit to her husband in Eden. In His story of redemption, He, in part, desired to use the distinct differences of men and women to display his grace, love, and glory.
As I talked with a fellow student, I began to see a glimpse into the depths of that purpose. He wanted to show the world a picture of what was to come--an earthly representation of His greatest gift: unity with His Son, Jesus. Christ as head, the church submitted in humility and honor. Man as head of the women, the wife submitted in humility and honor. Even if the world rejected his Son, the distinct roles between men, women, and marriage still held--unknowingly by most--an image of the purity and truth of the New Covenant in Christ...the beautiful, complete relationship between Leadership (Christ) and submission (man).
In abounding, unfathomable love, He put the nurturing spirit in a women's heart and called her to submit. In abounding, unfathomable love, He gave man strength and headship. It was a gift, intended to make our lives sing of His redemption.
Under the masked title of "equality," the present ruler of this world has confused minds, displaced identities, and taken away the very love-gift that the Father instituted for the world He created.
These words were penned almost exactly 400 years ago by a man who dedicated his life to studying texts. By the time The Anatomy of Melancholy was complete, it was as lengthy as an encyclopedia. A man who analyzed the world and studied human nature was compelled to write these lines--the institution of marriage fascinated him.
For the past two weeks, I've been studying the psychology of women through the "similarities perspective." In other words, men and women aren't so very different, according to the author. As I read through the text, I became more and more disturbed as I watched the author break down the dignifying differences bestowed upon men and women.
The nurturing spirit of a woman was categorized as merely an imposed cultural influence, rather than a natural part of her being. The strength and leadership of a man was "put in it's place" under the title of unnecessary.
My heart began to break. The distinctions between men and women are needed for a sustainable society; they hold great purpose. What happens in a world where our God-given identities and roles are questioned?
The family breaks down.
Society falls apart.
And we are left with a culture that chooses to blatantly rebel against the very nature that has been placed within them. The essence so often missed is His intention in the distinction. There's a reason why God told the wife to submit to her husband in Eden. In His story of redemption, He, in part, desired to use the distinct differences of men and women to display his grace, love, and glory.
As I talked with a fellow student, I began to see a glimpse into the depths of that purpose. He wanted to show the world a picture of what was to come--an earthly representation of His greatest gift: unity with His Son, Jesus. Christ as head, the church submitted in humility and honor. Man as head of the women, the wife submitted in humility and honor. Even if the world rejected his Son, the distinct roles between men, women, and marriage still held--unknowingly by most--an image of the purity and truth of the New Covenant in Christ...the beautiful, complete relationship between Leadership (Christ) and submission (man).
In abounding, unfathomable love, He put the nurturing spirit in a women's heart and called her to submit. In abounding, unfathomable love, He gave man strength and headship. It was a gift, intended to make our lives sing of His redemption.
Under the masked title of "equality," the present ruler of this world has confused minds, displaced identities, and taken away the very love-gift that the Father instituted for the world He created.
Very good post, LeAnna! Well said! It's so clearly detrimental to the family, church, society, government, etc for men and women to lose all distinction. We've let higher academics and pop culture preach this lie for too long. It's time for Christians to be bold in sharing this truth, like you were here!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kyle! So true. It's kinda intimidating to have a voice on topics like these, isn't it? Thanks for the encouragement.
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