CTNAHM: All Men Are Different! Surprise!

A Guest Post by Aletha

Created To Need A Help Meet, pp. 64—66

If you remember last post, Michael introduced the section on the 3 types of men: Command Men, Visionary Men, and Mr. Steady. Today we’re going more into depth on the differences between them.

Alike Yet Different

God did not create men alike. “For who maketh thee to differ from another? (1 Cor 4:7)”. God didn’t just create all butterflies the same color and shape. He didn’t just create one type of fruit-one size, one nutrition content, or one flavour. Not all cats are kitties, and not all snakes have rattles. Likewise God created men in different colors, shapes, sizes, and with different capacities-emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Everyone is aware of the various natures of different breeds of dogs. Some men are beagles, some are dobermans, and some border collies. God loves variety—contrast even.

I really am getting annoyed by all the flowery comparisons and analogies in this book. It may just be me, but I am longing for the sharp “no-nonsense-this-is-how-it-is” that he claims to believe in (and was rather prominent in Debi’s book). I’m wondering what kind of audience he thinks he’s writing for that he needs 5 different examples of things that are different. Though it is a change that he’s comparing men to dogs, for once. Not that it’s a nice comparison, but it’s refreshing that he’s not comparing women to animals or inanimate objects (truck, anyone?).

Some men are proud of their distinctive natural qualities, while others feel less gifted. Acknowledging the differences in men and their tendency to compare themselves, God says, “For who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (1 Cor 4:7)”. Again, we read, “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves, but if they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise (2 Cor 10:12)”. It is clear, God notes that men are indeed created different. So we ask, wherein is this difference and how does it relate to our role as husbands? That is the theme of this section, and we must go back to the beginning of our Bible to find the answer.

It’s true that men (people, Michael . . . everyone) are different. It’s also true most people have a tendency to compare themselves to others. These are valid points. I am a bit confused why Michael quoted the exact same verse he did a paragraph up (it’s really the previous paragraph in the book). Sure, he included the back half of it, but it’s the SAME THING. Is your target audience really this dense, Michael? I’m trying to figure out what the verses are saying and how they go with what Michael is telling us . . .

OK. We’re moving onto the next section, and I hope you won’t be offended if i paraphrase most of this section. It’s dull, repetitious, and very heavy with Bible verses. If you really want the entire text, email me and I will send it to you.

Made In His Image

[Basically it says God has 3 personas, and that men are modeled after one of these.]

God the father, is the commander in chief. He’s at the top, King over all. The men created in the image of God the father will be equipped to rule and command. They will distinguish themselves as ready to take charge and make things happen.

The Lord Jesus Christ, who gave his life for the sheep and ever lives to make intercession for us based on his shed blood, is the Priest of God. Those created in the image of the second person of the godhead will be priestly in nature-steady and faithful servants.

The third person in the godhead is the Holy Spirit, the conscience of God calling men to repentance and convicting them of sin. Men created in the image of the Holy Spirit are prophet—like in nature—visionaries.

So which person of the Godhead do you resemble? Is it the priestly Jesus? Or is it the kingly father, or maybe the prophet Holy Spirit?

Well, Michael, since you asked, I’m more of the commanding Father, with a pinch of the visionary Holy Spirit. But then, I’m a woman, and you haven’t really talked about women’s personalities yet. Hopefully it’s coming up soon.

Alright. I know this section was tedious, unimaginative, and frankly boring. I’m sorry. But as a consolation prize, next post, we get to talk about “Female Natures”. So I’m really looking forward to that!