My youngest son has just finishing reading John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart. I seldom recommend a book to my readers other than the Bible. I make an exception for this one. It clearly sets forth God’s original intent when He designed men. Of course, the Enemy’s deep desire is to thwart the plans of our Creator. In today’s American culture, he has been extremely successful in confusing gender identity and how we relate to one another as male and female.
I think we men should arrive on Earth with instructions so women understand how to take care of us. (After all, even a goldfish comes with instructions). Allow me to lay out some basic universal “man” truths. As a man, I must hold the remote control in my hand while I am watching a television program. Ever since the first man picked up a club to hunt for food, men have had a deep need to hold something that helps them conquer the world. If my socks are missing, I don’t bat an eye, but I will turn the house upside down looking for my remote control. Once, when I could not find it, I was able to survive by holding a calculator.
As a man, when I am sick, I am near death. I need someone to wait upon me hand and foot, since even the smallest cold completely paralyzes me. Make soup. Bring aspirin. Come running at my faintest groan. By the way, since women do not get as sick as men, I will not need to take care of you when you are sick.
As a man, I don’t cry. Oh, I might tear up when my favorite football team loses the Super Bowl; or become very emotional when the biggest fish I ever caught breaks the line and escapes, but I do not cry during movies. In fact, you never have to ask me if I liked a movie. If you are crying at the end of it, I almost certainly did not like it.
As a man, I have a wonderful wardrobe. Everything in it can be mixed and matched! Men have the unique ability to combine plaids with stripes, and they always look great together. Since we experience this phenomenon, we think the same thing should apply to you. Therefore, whatever you are wearing is fine (I thought it was fine when you asked me five minutes ago). Either pair of shoes is fine. With or without the belt is fine. Either pair of earrings is fine. Your hair is fine. You look fine. Can we go now? You do not have to ask me anything else . . . it is fine.
As a man of the 21st Century. I have been liberated to understand my role in the home. I will share equally in the housework. You do the laundry, the cooking, the cleaning and the dishes. I will do the rest.
There is a big difference between “living with” and “understanding” someone. Proverbs 3:13 says, “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.” “Understanding,” used 115 times in the Bible, is the godly application of wisdom. Our homes need people who are willing to take the time to listen to and understand one another. Being understood helps people feel significant and special. It tells them, “You matter to me.”
As a man, I am confused about why the Bible emphasizes “men” need to find understanding. I may have a clue . . . but pride keeps me from admitting it.
