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Published: 19 March 2021

A terrible idea became a part of American thinking in the 1960’s.  In those days it was known as “the generation gap.”  Previous to then, the “gap-idea” between generations was not in circulation as a sociological paradigm.  The segregation of generations that resulted from this “enlightenment” actually caused the so called generation gap, it didn’t fix it.  The more we isolate generations from one another, the less understanding, compassion and unity we’ll have.  An “us and them” mentality begins to form.  Each generation develops their own language, their own music, their own entertainment and ultimately their own view of theology and life.  This is not acceptable in homes that have Christ at the Head.  The family was the first “institution,” predating the church by thousands of years.  God had very specific intentions for the family and they are not complicated.  I didn’t say family life is not complicated, I said God’s intentions are not complicated.  Much of our struggle today is the result of ignoring God’s intentions.   Ephesians 5 and 6 is a beautiful summary of what God had in mind for the family and no generation gap is mentioned.  Wise is the parent who kicks that 60’s “enlightenment” to the curb and enters fully into the stewardship God assigned.

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Published: 12 March 2021

I have been enlightened, encouraged and refreshed by reading what Kathy Keller has written about gender and roles.  Kathy is the wife of Tim Keller.  She may not have the “fame” of her hubby but she can wield the pen and it is well worth one’s time to read what she has written.  Here’s a sample, “Our maleness and femaleness is not incidental to our humanness but constitutes its very essence.  God does not make us into a generic humanity that is later differentiated; rather, from the start we are male or female…this means I cannot understand myself if I try to ignore the way God has designed me or if I despise the gifts he has given me to help me fulfill my calling…If our gender is at the heart of our nature, we risk losing a key part of ourselves if we abandon our distinctive male and female roles.”  It really seems insane that such a statement even has to be written, but once we cast off our humanity and claim our own deity insanity is our only course.  It seems that the enemy no longer has to be deceptive.  He is attacking the most basic of realities.  If we give up what seems to be most fundamental to humanity (and to Genesis), what is left?  And the irony is maddening, some of the same people telling us to “trust the science,” deny the evidence of XX and XY chromosomes.  God created male and female.  He calls married men (husbands) to submit to their role as leader and lover.  He calls married women (wives) to submit to their role as organizer and respecter.  Each are suited for their role by creative fiat.  To deny this is to deny God’s sovereign and good design.   The Head of husband and wife is Christ and only those rightly related to Him and walking with Him can possibly fulfill His design.  “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”