Battle Of The Sexes

Battle of the Sexes

Eve

Read: Genesis 2:18; 3:16

Adam and Eve lost many blessings as a result of their disobedience, including the perfect marital relationship they had enjoyed. Before, the couple was as open and comfortable with each other as children running around naked with no sense of shame. After the disastrous choice to eat the forbidden fruit, they felt the need to cover up their bodies and their guilt. They were now at odds with God and with each other. God’s pronouncement (see Genesis 3:16-19) indicated that no man and woman would ever again be able to achieve the perfect physical, emotional, and spiritual harmony that Adam and Eve had known.

Some women reinterpret the parts of the Bible that describe the role of women. Before God formed Eve, his stated intention was to make a helper for Adam. At first glance, this might seem like a secondary role, but the same term is used to refer to God in a number of verses, such as Psalm 70:5 and 115:9. God designed Adam to be the leader, but he and Eve functioned as equal partners until sin entered the picture. Ever since then, men and women have struggled with conflict in their relationships instead of fully enjoying the unity that God intended.

Political correctness has seeped into the church and caused many to avoid passages such as Ephesians 5 that discuss God’s design for the family. Verses about submission seem outdated and make some women indignant. God’s Word makes it clear that while men and women are equally important, we have different roles. When we submit to someone’s leadership, we aren’t demeaning ourselves; we are agreeing to God’s plan for loving, harmonious relationships that include mutual respect. What we call “the battle of the sexes” is really a battle against the rebellious nature we inherited from our first parents.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)