Better Than Seven Boys

Better Than Seven Boys

“Anything you can do I can do better. I can do anything better than you.” If you’re a fan of musicals, you’ll know those lyrics come from Annie Get Your Gun as Annie Oakley and Frank Butler have a sharpshooting contest. More recently a popular drink company launched an advertising campaign using this song as two athletes, a male and a female, competed against each other in basketball, soccer, fencing, tennis, running, and martial arts.

Since time began, people have debated who’s better—men or women, boys or girls. In ancient cultures, men were valued for strength and manual labor. Women were often treated like property. In modern Western cultures, women are now viewed as being able to do anything they want. But in some parts of the world, a boy is a must-have in a family, while a girl is seen as a burden.

How this messed-up view must grieve the heart of God, who made humanity in his image—both male and female (see Genesis 1:27)! In God’s eyes, both boys and girls are ultimately important. Both are essential for humanity to thrive and survive. And both can do incredible feats that are often honored throughout history.

One example is Ruth. After her mother-in-law, Naomi, lost her sons and husband, she told Ruth to go away. Ruth stuck with Naomi and ended up marrying Boaz, a relative who reclaimed Naomi’s family and provided for them. Ruth showed nobility, courage, hard work, obedience, loyalty, honor, and self-sacrifice. And for this, God honored her. The ladies of the town acknowledged that Ruth was more valuable than a houseful of boys (see Ruth 4:15).

No matter how you feel about the age-old question of “Who is better?” know that by living a godly life, you can build a great reputation that could be remembered for generations.

Daddy-Daughter Time

Ask your dad who he thought was better—boys or girls—when he was your age. Does he feel differently about that question now? Make lists of things God has uniquely gifted boys/men or girls/women to do, and the things that both can do well. That third list is going to be pretty long. Talk about how important it is to understand the unique strengths that you bring to your family, your church, and your community.

What’s The Word?

The women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the LORD, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”   Ruth 4:14-15