Changing Roles of Men and Women?
Marriage Moment: The Mockery of Men
I freely admit this isn’t always the case and that sometimes the husband and wife equally work outside the home, and equally work inside the home to take care of the needs of the family and perhaps that’s why these marketers are targeting men in this way. But, I don’t really think it’s why. I think it’s because more and more men are staying home while their wives work.
What’s even worse is that these ads seem to deliberately be mocking the man in the commercial. Have you noticed that?
Maybe you are thinking, so what? Here’s the reason why I think these commercials are offensive.
“For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.” Ephesians 5:23.
“the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” Titus 2:3-5.
Our society has changed in that there has been an overall turning away from Biblical principles. Satan has attacked the family and devalued the role of the man and vaulted the role of a woman. In exchange, we see marriages failing at a staggering rate. We see men being emasculated and made to look weak. We see that women are glorified and men are made to look like fools.
“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7.
Women do not like to admit that they are the weaker vessel. Our society has shouted at us for 50+ years “Anything a man can do we can do better.” We’ve fallen for it, we’ve joined in the shout. We’ve given in to the deception. In doing so, we’ve turned our men into a mockery and made them appear to be bumbling idiots. But, women, we (as a society) are wrong.
But, women, we (as a society) are wrong.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Colossians 3:18.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:22.
We don’t like it. We don’t want to do it, we want “equality.” But that isn’t true either. Women don’t want equality. No, what they want is control. We don’t want to submit because submission shows “weakness.” And society has demanded that women aren’t weak. Therefore we can’t possibly reflect any form of weakness.
Ladies, we sound like a petulant child.
Women, wake up. We can’t have it all, we can’t do it all, we can’t BE it all. Nor, should we want to be. It’s the lie that we could have it all that has led to where we are. The reality is it’s too much for a woman to work outside the home and maintain the home and children as well.
It’s the lie that we could have it all that has led to where we are. The reality is it’s too much for a woman to work outside the home and maintain the home and children as well.
So men were expected to fill the slack, and for a while, society demanded that both husbands and wives are equal in the home. But the reality continued to show that it doesn’t work, so now men are giving up their jobs to be the stay at home parent because society demands we have it all.
Women were put on this earth to be a helper to our husbands. Yes! I did just say that. That is the role we should embrace. We should step into the role of wife, mother, and homemaker with confidence because it is what we were made to be.
“And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Genesis 2:18.
I choose. I choose to obey God rather than man.I take joy in my role as a woman. I choose to embrace my role as wife, caretaker of my child, and homemaker. {Tweet That} I take joy in loving my husband, being his helper, and walking with him in our life. I don’t seek to have authority over him, I seek to honor him, as I seek to honor Christ.
I take joy in loving my husband, being his helper, and walking with him in our life. I don’t seek to have authority over him, I seek to honor him, as I seek to honor Christ.
It’s not always easy, but I desire to lift him up and seek his greater good above my own. Love isn’t about me, it’s about the one whom I love. In return, my loving, caring husband who is a true leader in the home sees to my needs and seeks to love me as Christ loves the church.
We should make the decision, each of us, to not buy into Satan’s deceitful ways. We should choose, to obey God rather than man. We should see that God’s ways are better for our families and for society as a whole.
You may not like what I have to say. That’s OK. I say it in love with a desire to see that we honor the men whom we were created to help. That. There is the crux of it.
We are created for a purpose.
If you believe that there is a Creator, then you can see that He knows what is right and good. But, you would not agree if you don’t understand that one simple truth. That in Him is life and He sustains and upholds that life.
Wives, let’s tell advertisers that emasculating husbands is not OK. Let’s not buy into their message by not buying their products. Let’s honor our men, rather than mocking and tearing them down.
Can a husband help out around the home? Yes, absolutely! A loving husband will see to the needs of his wife, and if she needs a little extra help now and then, he’ll jump right in and help get things done.
Can women work outside the home? Yes, I believe it’s possible, but I also believe in doing so women are choosing to make their life harder.
Can a man be a stay at home dad? Yes, he can choose that, but in my opinion, I don’t believe that it was the role intended by God.
Can both the husband and wife work successfully outside the home? Yes, but again, it’s a lot more work to maintain the home, care for the children, follow through on commitments and still maintain the godly roles that we are taught in Titus 2:3-5.
I also believe that having mom at home results in more financial stability because less is spent on transportation, work clothing, child care, meals eaten out and even taxes (because with less income your tax burden is lighter).
But the choice lies with each individual family. We must each choose the way we will work and conduct ourselves within our marriages. Whether your family has chosen a stay at home wife/mom lifestyle, a two working parent lifestyle or a wife as income winner lifestyle, you must face the fact that those choice do not negate the scriptural guidance given to us for the roles within the marriage and family. As Christian women, we must first seek to honor God, through Christ, and to our husbands as to the Lord.
Your turn. What do you think? Comment below, I would love to hear what you think. However, I ask that you speak words of kindness. Even if you disagree you can do so in a kind way.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved
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10 Comments
Misty B
Great post Renee! I agree 100%. We don’t have cable so I have not noticed the marketing aspect, but I have seen it in the headlines, and noticed the changes in society’s view of women working outside the home. Honestly, I think it is sad 🙁
Renee Aleshire Brown
I think it’s sad too. I remember as a little girl thinking my daddy was the strongest man in the world. so seeing ads that make husbands/dads look like fools just saddens my heart. I can’t imagine what little girls today are growing up thinking about their dads.
Kristen
Completely agree!
Renee Aleshire Brown
Thanks Kristen.
Dianna@The Kennedy Adventures
Girl.
I don’t think you’re archaic.
I think you’re on the money.
When my oldest daughter (now 19) was small, I had no desire to stay home. I wanted to be a career woman, to ‘use my education’.
Fast forward to now. With 5 littles at home, I’d love to be able to ditch my day job. The irony isn’t lost on me — when I could afford it, I didn’t want to be at home. Now that it’s not financially feasible, it’s one of my strongest desires. I’m laying that prayer at the foot of the Cross.
As the mother of boys, I worry. I’m concerned about them growing up in a world that’s set against them because of their gender. As the mother of girls, I’m especially aware of my attitude toward Brett, because they WILL emulate me, both in good and bad habits.
I have no wise words, my friend. Just know that you’re not on the archaic boat alone.
Renee Aleshire Brown
Thanks Dianna, It’s good to hear from a mama who is mothering many and working outside the home and still has a desire to homeschool while honoring her husband. Blessings to you my friend.
I love Jesus
Your post made my day…I am so glad and so grateful to be a Christian.
I love the lord Jesus with all my heart… Everything God said is for our own good after all. I, also choose to love my husband and to be his helper as God intended. I am home teaching my 4 children, and taking care of my duties as a wife, mother, and educator.
I feel soooooo happy, and soooooooooooo grateful to be able to stay home.
– Home is my place
– Home is where I find great joy ( joy that the world cannot understand)
– Home is where my 4 children are learning, playing, and growing in the word of God
– Home is my kingdom, where I am so honored to serve my husband.
– I am the queen of my home.
Moreover, my children are always thrilled to have good meals everyday, and they are always very happy to spend time with me whenever they want.
My husband is happy and productive because I choose to obey God.
It is not easy to follow the word of God, because it requires faith.
Women need to have more faith in the Word.
God will provide…and He will sustain us…He created us, and knows well what is best for us…Amen
Renee Aleshire Brown
Yes. Exactly. We follow the Lord’s lead and we find joy. Simple isn’t it?
Heather Pryor
Great post, Renee, and spot on! Thank you!
Renee Aleshire Brown
Thank you Heather for your encouragement.