I acutally think you’re right. I think that because men associate respect with power, it speaks to their nature to know that God is all-powerful and that they identify with being in a position to rule & to control, provide, orchestrate. That whole protector thing too – it speaks to their DNA; I know it does for mine. He is so much more willing to be open when he can understand from an instinctive point, than he is when he is trying to filter thru my thought processes and reasoning.
I think u’re on to something, Missy.

Great post you are absolutely right!

Wow…again! LOL! This is powerful, Lynn. I’m going to remember this next time my hubby asks me a question. Maybe we are “softening” God and his authority too much. Our society doesn’t like to be told what to do so maybe that’s why that’s happened. I don’t believe portraying an overbearing God would be good, but I do agree, we need more balance. Great post!

I’ve been reading this blog for a few months, but have never commented. The stories shared here have offered me so much hope – my husband isn’t a believer. When I read this post I just had to share something with you. I absolutely agree that men need to know about the Warrior/King side of God. I’ve recently read Wild at Heart by John Eldredge which talks about this very topic and it gave me a whole new understanding about how men think and feel. It’s unfortunate that a lot of churches have molded men into “nice guys” which is not necessarily what God created them to be. He created them with adventure in their hearts and the desire to fight for and protect their loved ones. I could go on 😉 but I’m sure you get my point.

Hmmm. . .very interesting, Lynn. I don’t have any wise words, but you’ve got me thinking. You could be onto something here.

Excellence…Lynn…once more. I touch very briefly on this on My Father’s Day post but actually what you are saying is much more valid. I loved your response and praising God that you and your husband were actually discussing this. We know God’s character is
comprehensive, from soft to strong:ruler. That is why the gospels are written by 4 different perspectives. Though I am far far an expert on this topic, I do know that God desires men as spiritual leaders. Society keeps asking men to take the strong, leadership role. But, you’re right, what role does God want from them? What role does the church emphasize? That is why He, the Lord does appeal to our loving, compassionate…soft side. You may be on to something that brings you right back to the California legislation. We are asking men to connect with that side of them, instead of an equal balance, we have men going to one extreme or the other:effeminate(?) to
abusively strong. God wants all of our lives to be in balance! I have not read the book that more than one comment has spoken of…but those comments are good ones! If you notice, fathers or males, that can’t quite relate to a good earthly father have an extremely difficult time understanding God…so you see the Model that they need may well be the “Kingly” one. Perhaps the may want a Warrior image, but I personally prefer a Leader image, a Strong Leader, or
Victorious and Just Ruler…that appeal of
“warring” kinda worries me. Because you seem to be the best observor of your own husband(or each of us)than we must lock into that part of our multifaceted God that may appeal to them. It looks like you chose correctly! That is why God is so AWESOME for He represents whatever we need for the moment…that is why His Holy Spirit gifts us differently so we work together and function in harmony(or attempt to) with the Body…each needs the other. It only makes sense that men need/want a role model that they can relate to(again go back to their relationships here on earth and their impact in forming who they are or who we are). My pastor, back home, is a gifted mn of great compassion(that appeals to me or women)…however, I have also seen his strength and strong character. I prefer someone like that to the hard, hell-fire and brimstone approach of many evangelists
and preachers. To me that is a turn off but to others that may be just what they need to wake them up…to the atocities of sin and final judgement. The role of a KING, as wisdom came from your lips…was a just but loving King. I do understand! These are earth shattering thoughts because our King is coming back! We do need to prepare the way and show honor,respect and a humble fear of the Lord to His Majestic Power. Don’t you think that you need some male perspective on this? We, as women,know what we see and love or want for our husbands & their relationship to Christ and as equal partners in our “camps”, as role models… but are we expecting too much? However, the best point is the one about how the Church is portraying GOD/Christ to the unsaved! But better yet..that you and your husband have begun to openly discuss with understanding who GOD is? What His Word says of His Almighty Character?
BTW: you mentioned that “WE” attend a very seeker friendly church…hhmmmmmmmmmmm intersting concept..but WE means he and you?
That is awesome!!! This was a GREAT,though provoking post, Lynn! Bravo!!!(lol)I guess if I had read the aforementioned book or understand how men think, I may have succeeded in bringing mine closer instead of isolating him as he chose and allowing him to see the Truth of God’s Word instead of believing ‘all roads lead to GOD’. A hardened heart and a mind set is a very complicated person to reach for God!

Lynn, so as I’m reading the comments I’m thinking: perhaps we should spend some time in concentrated prayer asking specifically that the Lord reveal himself to our men in a way that speaks to their nature – the way He purposely created them. I’ve prayed hard prayers and I’ve prayed that my Baby would know the love of Christ, but I have never prayed that the Lord would speak to his heart in a way that makes God real to HIM intuitively.
So, for all of us:
Lord, allow our men to see you as the King that You are. Allow them to know You as Warrior, Justice, and Ruler. Show yourself to your creation in the fullness of Your nature.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.