There is a disturbing trend going through the religious sector today: toxic masculinity - that encourages rude, obnoxious, and downright abusive behaviors in "godly men" … & self-righteous femininity - that preaches prudity, a closed-off mentality, and an overt prideful spirit in "godly women". BOTH are a stink in the nostrils of Almighty God.
While it is true that men today, have been pussified and have had no guidance in how to be a man because actual men are far and few between in today's society - giving rein to pride won't offer wisdom, and will actually do more harm than good. No woman in her right mind will want a male in her life who seeks to dominate her by emotionally & spiritually abusing her: physical abuse usually follows quickly when pride takes root in a man's life & subjugation is forced on a woman.
And on the other hand, while it is true that women today, have become hard & brittle caricatures of womanhood - generations of femininity was lost during the rise & subsequent upheavals of the 1960's & 1970's "women's liberation" movement that swept the land and got a firm grip on the globe. But swinging to far to the other side in an attempt to balance the scales is not wise, and will actually do more harm than good. No man in his right mind will want a woman in his life who will make life harder by attempting to be holier than God, Himself: that was tried, and failed in the Victorian Era. It was disastrous then … and will be disastrous, now. When pride enters a life, it usually snuffs out all common sense - and sucks the joy out of Life, in general.
The reel, below, that paraded itself through my newsfeed today, really annoyed me.
It annoys me because it screams "self-pride!"
And the entire attitude is not beneficial to a Christian woman. A Christian woman relies on Elohim's Will … not her own - not the opinions of those around her, whispering in her ears, coaching her in holiness. To her detriment.
The way Elohim sees a situation - and the way everyone else sees a situation can, and often, are very different. The ways of Elohim are a mystery; His wonders to perform.
Women can change.
Men can change.
Change can be very good for those involved in the game of life.
BUT … he CAN learn to appreciate, and get on the right side of things.
Delilah & Jezebel lose their luster when he's in the presence of a Godly woman: Ruth didn't run … she knew her worth, yet she humbly pledged herself to the man who first paid her no attention. Elohim brought him around, and Boaz eventually saw her worth and brought her under his protection. Their marriage was good & strong. Yeshua's earthly lineage was a direct link to Ruth & Boaz.
Esther came from humble beginnings, but rose to be Queen over an empire. The woman before her had held the King's heart … until she didn't any longer; her self-importance did her in & the King, once smitten by her beauty, soured of her ego - enter Esther. Esther was a Jew: Elohim chose for her a man who did not know her God; a man who did not follow her religion. A man that basically ignored her until he needed arm candy. Her husband was a busy, worldly, man - a man of supreme rule: to enter his presence without a direct invite was a death wish. His word was rule; no one questioned his supremacy. She dared. He gave her audience and listened. A nation was saved because her courage refused to be ignored. Esther did not rely on her physical attributes - she relied on Elohim with her, guiding her, going before her to prepare the way.
Worldly ways may captivate for a season … but Elohim's Ways secure what the world obscures. Beauty may last for a season, "but a good wife? Her worth is above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10)
A wise woman knows her worth.
And the man Elohim chooses for her, eventually understands that concept, too ❤️
Maybe you were born, for such a time as this: for such a man as this. For such a purpose as this.
In seeking a holy life, be careful not to overstep Elohim's Plan with a prideful spirit - it is that prideful spirit that was the downfall of Delilah & Jezebel.
It was holy courage that spurred the godly women of ancient days (like Ruth & Esther) to bravely embrace the men Elohim had hand-picked for them. For such a time. For such a purpose.
I'm not advocating to go out and find a bad boy to win for Christ - that is foolhardy and will end in a mess. But what I am saying, is that Elohim brings 2 people together for His glorification … and most of the time that glorification comes about through perplexing and trying times.
Every situation in this Life is a lesson, leading to holiness for the heirs walking in His ways and trusting in His outcome for their lives.
It behooves us to keep our eyes on Him, and trust Him in all situations.
He knows what is best for us - and we will have the best, when we trust for the best.
Self-pride doesn't look good on anybody.
Be wise.
Seek Elohim's direction when interest is piqued.
Wait on the Spirit's leading - do not rush in where angels fear to tread … and don't hang back out of fear. If he's "the one", he'll wait. He'll weigh the change necessary - and act accordingly. If he walks … he's not the one.
Understand what you are getting into; give ear to wise counsel.
Proceed with caution: the heart is exceedingly deceitful. Always move forward with much prayer, leaning on the Holy spirit's wisdom.
Enter with courage and bravely forge ahead - trusting Him, in all things.
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