Men and woman are different and debating the matter will not negate the truth. As we read the Genesis account of man’s creation, we can understand why (we are different). God, in making woman, took something away from man and gave it to her. As a result, men lack something and we can openly say that, ‘Men aren’t all there, ’ but either are women. However, and in an incredible fashion, when a man and a woman are united in marriage and in Christ Jesus, all the pieces are back in the box.
Wives, submit to your own husbands…Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. Ephesians 5:22, 25
Spiritual Give and Take
Woman: you came from man’s side, so stick by his side. Man: Christ died for the church, so die to yourself for the sake of your wife. Satisfaction and fulfillment will be the result. Show me a marriage that is failing or in disrepair, and I will show you two people who have not grasped, or are not practicing this biblical principle.
Leaving and Cleaving
The Genesis passage is clear, men are to leave mom and dad and become one with their wives, but the verse also implies something else significant: completion is found in our spouse alone.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. Matthew 6:21, 24
As innocent as these things can begin, there is a tendency for a man or a woman to seek or to find comfort in another person other than their spouse, which temporarily fills the void created when God created woman from man—and I am not talking physical. So often, a man can find a kindhearted and sympatric ear at work, at church, or wherever his wife happens not to be. Women on the other hand might find a man for a similar situation where she could have used her husband, but he is either unwilling or unavailable. These situations start off innocuous, but if sustained will result in a breakdown of the relationship at home and eventually a relationship outside of the home. All it takes is one little spat at home for the partner to say to him or herself, “So-and-so at work would understand.”
And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home…1 Corinthians 14:35a
When I read a passage like this, I fully understand the context from which Paul is speaking. He is not saying that women cannot ask questions, or even that they cannot have a role in the church, but rather he is recognizing the mandate God put forth in Genesis 2:24, a man and a woman will be joined as one and to each other they will cling. We are to adhere to our spouses firmly, closely, loyally, and unwaveringly. When husband, or when wife falls short or lets us down, we have our completion in our oneness with Jesus.
[…] Leave and Cleave January 2009 4 […]
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