- Jan 16, 2019
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Why do we do that sometimes, I wonder? As much as I would like to say I've never fallen into that trap, I'm sure I have a few times. But you said it in just the way that I could never pin down, myself: we take it personal for some reason.
Everyone wants to feel accepted. We desire validation and support. That's normal. But there's a downside. We can become addicted to approval and transgress our hearts in deference to agreement. As we move in that direction it becomes difficult to embrace differences in opinion. We feel slighted when they don't agree. Because we're accustomed to it and its embedded in our identity. Paul addresses this in Galatians.
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. —Galatians 1:10
When its embedded in your identity non agreement is seen as rejection or opposition. It breeds insecurity and compels us to denounce or fight against the response. Because we've internalized their behavior as an offense against ourselves. It rarely is.
Thus, the ladies who fail to swoon over Southern gentlemen aren't ill informed. Confused maybe, between you and I. They may be drawn to a different form of masculinity and that's okay. It doesn't mean the Southern variation is lacking. It isn't. Trust me!
Once we settle that in our minds we'll appreciate the diversity amongst us. I'm overtly feminine. I'm not offended by women who demonstrate their womanliness in other ways. That's great. But I'm not going to champion the difference or give it a gold star. My tastes are specific and that's the form I promote. I like class and elegance. That's authentic. But it doesn't mean other variations are less authentic forms of womanhood. Its just not me.
All of this returns to God and our divine blueprint. When we operate from that mindset we're forgetting His hand in our construction. We're fearfully and wonderfully made by God. His approval should be enough.
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