1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NKJV
I saw a internet video the other day of a woman bemoaning the fact that there were no men around anymore who KNEW how to date her. Now, this woman was not a christian, but I feel this has no bearing here. Her question was, and I quote, "Where have all the men gone?" It's a question I've heard all too often these days. This is not simply a christian issue, but one for all of our society today. It is also one that we cannot ignore. What have we taught our younger generation? Like it or not, the behaviors that our young people have shown us were first learned from us! Whether it was from their home life, or from the media they often adore, the young people of this country have picked up on a twisted view of how to begin a relationship! I actually hesitate to even use the word "relationship" here because relationships have ceased to be the main reason for dating anymore. The woman in this video complains of the fact that men she meets more than likely will always have only the interest for sex. From what I've seen of this younger generation, and a few from my own as well, she's not too far off the mark here. For it is usually the very first thought that crosses a mans mind when he sees a girl he would like to meet. It is ultimately her sexual favors that he is seeking. Yes, I speak from personal experience as well here. None of us are immune to the pull of this behavior. However, this is not how it was intended. As we see in the 13th chapter of First Corinthians, the apostle Paul has a different view of love, of relationships. Now, obviously not every relationship leads to love, just as not every meeting turns to a relationship. However, the fact of the matter remains that we have distorted the traditional view of dating, and women today seemed to be taking notice.
For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
Ephesians 5: 23-31 NKJV
It wasn't that long ago that a few women complained rather loudly of the evils of a "male dominated" society that we seemed to have become. These who preached this "Womens Liberation" movement claimed that women were equal to men in all ways.
Now, I agree with the claim that a woman is deserving of equal pay for the same work, good idea there. However, I also believe that it is the teachings of this movement that have damaged the way we view relationships in our society today. Gone are the days when a young man would call on a young ladys family to seek permission for the company of their daughter. I can already hear the cries of how archaic this attitude is. For this is the 21st century, annd we don't need any of that outdated family style junk! No? Then why do you complain that there are no good men left? For you have single handedly taken away the traditional view of dating that our society held sacred for generations. If there is one thing above all else that has dealt a death blow to relationships is that we have become is more selfish. Our own needs are placed above that of others. Now, in my parents day, if a lad had bypassed a young girls family and took it upon himself to start a relationship with her, he more than likely would have dealt with the wrath of the girls family. This simply wasn't done. These days it's common practice. Does anyone but me see a problem with this approach? Does anyone but me see an issue with someone placing their own selfish desires over the needs of another? If so, then you long for the way things used to be. It is in Ephesians 5 where Paul gives us some sound advice for pursuing a relationship with someone of the opposite sex. As Paul tells us, "He who loves his wife loves himself." To love that person we desire to be in a relationship with as mush as we love ourselves is the best advice I can give to someone seeking a dating relationship today. For in this way we are showing the love of Christ through ourselves. Would Jesus mistreat the one He loves? Would Christ show a insane jelousy towards the one He cherishes? Whether the woman who made the video complaining of the lack of good men for dating or relationships was christian or not is irrelevent here. She obviously has never met someone who has shown her the love of Jesus.
~Scott~
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