Lessons From Women

It’s no secret that one of our biggest downfalls comes from attempts to elevate ourselves. As a man, I’m keenly aware of just how men make much of themselves: Not always in overly unhealthy ways, but often enough in ways that reflect easily on perceptions of our own importance.
Here's a quick example; most times, if a man sees a group of women talking, and he's not particularly interested in any of them romantically, he really couldn't care less about their conversation.
Not that he's assessed that their discussion doesn't apply to him, but that mentally, he's lessened the value of their discussion as wholly unimportant.... I also realize that it's highly possible that women don't ascribe high appreciation for what men talk about amongst themselves as well....but I'm not a woman to know.

As men, we could learn much in realizing our differences with women. We not only focus on different things, but we focus on different things, differently. We need to do better at valuing one another. I believe that God put deeper understanding of Himself in each gender that has to be drawn out...it can't be dismissed, disregarded or achieved any other way other than seeking truth past our issues.

When we were children, for both boys and girls, the idea of being received came easier to both genders. However, it's harder to delve deeper into the psychological mechanics of those emotions at that age. Sadly, when we get older, boys begin to replace those emotions with those of a more dominant character. We become more focused on becoming a receiver and being less needy becomes more of what it means to be a boy.
Not in a negative way but women, historically continue their social development as being the received.
I believe that the relevance and impact of this lesson is just as near and dear to the heart of God as that of men being receivers. It’s important to apply comprehensive and critical thinking to how we look at Scripture. The danger in disregarding this is made evident when we downplay something based on feeling or the challenge of societal shifts rather than what’s really presented in God’s Word.

Matthew, chapter 25 recounts the parable of the 10 virgins. These 10 women took lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of the women were somehow more serious about their commitment to being received and were better prepared in that they took extra oil for their lamps. All 10 women fell asleep as the bridegroom didn't show up early like they probably anticipated. When the announcement was made, the five foolish virgins asked for oil from the others. The prepared virgins said "No", as there was no way to give away what they'd had and still be properly prepared to be received. These other virgins went to try and buy oil and missed their opportunity. The story ends with "Keep watch (be prepared), you have no idea when the announcement will be made".

Sadly, our "shifted" society would have a LOT to say regarding a situation like this. The idea of ‘being received’ would be lessened to some sort of proclamation of a need based in weakness. The message of the world would not only discourage women from NEEDing to be received, but it would also point any answer of fulfilment to some, inward, phantasmic source.

I think that’s why God does certain things that simply can’t be erased no matter how hard we try. Certain things will continue to happen the way they have for eons simply because they’re rooted in the divine order.
I noticed a young lady at church who had recently become engaged to be married. Her and her new beau were getting involved in a ministry and you could just see her doubly-glowing: I’m sure her love for the ministry and being part of what the local church provides was evident but I’m also sure I saw more of her joy of being received as she responded to her soon to be husband. I thought, “What a real and wonderful truth.” This ‘giddiness wasn’t girlie, it was Godly - and even as a man, I hoped that I would tear down worldly misconceptions and that I would be proud to set my preparations and affections on the Bridegroom for that day that I am received by Him.

Here’s The Word;

Colossians 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,

Hebrews 10:6 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

2 Peter 1:10 - 11 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Companionship and singleness both have their place in representing God's love and working righteousness in us here in this fallen world. Marriage is symbol of Christ and His body which will give way to its eternal fullness just as marriage,(as experienced here) will dissolve away just like the very idea of relational singleness. But as believers, we can strive now, in anticipation; reflecting on our need to be received and the Darling of Heaven who will, one day, call to receive us.

In Him,
Cros