Last time we ended with these two statements: Adam was to be a provider, teacher, protector and a leader/guide. Eve was to be a companion, helper, creator of human life, and a creator of beauty.
We also sustained the point of view that the male and the female were equal by virtue of the fact they were both created in the image of God, but they were different in order to perform their God-appointed areas of responsibility to each other and their impending family.
Following is a list of six commonly accepted characteristics of males and females. They are unique in that they are somewhat opposites but they are all positive traits supporting the different roles in their marriage relationships.
It is generally acknowledged men think with their logic whereas women think with their emotions. Logical thinking does not have to be cold, hard and calculating. But logic does aid greatly in being a provider, teacher, protector and leader/guide.
Emotional thinking provides the feminine touch to companionship, helping, creating and caring for new life and the entire family.
Men primarily look at the big picture for the same reasons they apply logic to their areas of responsibility. Women, of necessity, look at immediate needs.
One of the key issues in these six areas of responsibility is maintaining balance. In sizing things up logically emotions cannot be trampled upon. In looking at the big picture men must be certain the immediate needs are covered.
Men must be strong in order to provide and protect. Women must be tender/gentle to accomplish their role-responsibilities. As a family blends they learn to share each other’s characteristics as needed.
When is it a positive trait to be aggressive? Personally, I have never laid a hand on any person in anger nor as any person ever laid a hand on me. However, if someone tried to break into my house in the middle of the night to harm my family and me I would become aggressive.
The opposite of aggressive is cautious/careful.
Likewise, when is it a positive trait for men to be insensitive? The short answer is re-read the illustration regarding aggression. In this instance insensitive is not synonymous with being mean or brutal.
Illustration: As a commissioned salesman I had to be insensitive to the needs of my fellow salesmen’s needs in order to support my family. I did not do anything illegal, immoral, un-ethical or un-biblical, but I did have to literally and figuratively out run them on the sales floor.
Being suspicious is a positive trait when it directs men as they lead and guide their family. And the opposite of suspicious is, of course, trusting.
Marriages, it has been said, are a fifty-fifty relationship. More correctly they need to be a 100%-100% relationship.
However, in order to be a properly balanced marriage relationship I see it this way: A husband needs to function 90% male and 10% female while the wife is functioning 90% female and 10% male. This will help them function in 100% agreement.
Next time: Know what makes your spouse ticks not what ticks your spouse.
