by Erik Jones

Yesterday, we covered the incredible truth that human beings were created in the image of God. This verse reinforces this truth, but adds another truth that is important for us to consider: God created two separate and distinct genders—male and female. We read later that the creation of man and woman wasn’t an accident or mere happenstance, but was specifically “blessed” by God (Genesis 5:2)—meaning this was God’s will and was designed to be successful.

Though both are created in God’s image, God did create men and women to be different. They were not designed to be in constant conflict, but were designed to mutually complement each other.

Here are some ways God created the genders to be distinct:

• In marriage, men are to be gentle, caring and loving leaders to their wives (Ephesians 5:25); and wives are to be lovingly submissive to husbands (Colossians 3:18).
• Women should display feminine characteristics, such as “a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4), while men are to display masculine characteristics such as strength and family leadership (1 Kings 2:2; Ephesians 5:23; 1 John 2:14).
• Men and women are to wear gender-specific clothing styles (Deuteronomy 22:5). Though the kinds of clothing will vary according to culture and time frame, this is a general principle that can and should always be applied.
• Generally speaking, men are to have short hair (1 Corinthians 11:7, 14), and women are to have longer hair (1 Corinthians 11:6, 10, 15).

It is important to note that gender roles are only designed for the human sphere. Men and women are viewed by God equally with the same spiritual expectations (Galatians 3:28). Men and women both have the same potential to inherit eternal life in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 22: 30; 1 Peter 3:7).

When we get to Genesis 2, we will discover more details about how God created the man and woman, and the great purpose of marriage.

Tomorrow on the Daily Bible Verse Blog: “Humanity Given Dominion.”