Today I read through Genesis 2-3, the creation and fall of humanity, with the intent of looking at how Adam acted, and how he was supposed to act, before sin entered the picture, as well as the differences after the fall.
The first thing that caught my attention was that God formed him. Psalm 139:13-16 talks about being created by God in the womb. What this tells me is that as a godly man, I should be comfortable with my appearance, rather than ashamed of it. After all, God has created me the way He wants me to be, and He sees beauty in me. It also tells me that I should look for beauty in others, rather than judging them based on their appearance, for God has created beauty in them too. It is the world, not God, that has assigned people value based on the way they fit, or do not fit, certain criteria created arbitrarily to indicate beauty.
Another thing I see is that God gave Adam work to do. It wasn't until the fall that he was cursed with hardship to go along with the work. This shows me that work itself is not evil, and it's not a punishment. It's a part of what makes a godly man that he has something useful to do. I can even enjoy work, knowing that it's not just something to get through, but an integral part of who God created me to be.
Even in the middle of perfection and godliness, it wasn't good for Adam to be alone. God expects us to be connected with others. (see posts from October 28 and 30) This also relates to marriage. God made Eve to be a helper for Adam. How did the first godly man respond when he met this woman who would be his helper? With respect and honour, treating her as a part of his very self. As earth's caretaker, he was especially to take care of her, protecting her as he would himself.
After the fall, he was quick to blame her, the very one he had just honoured, and blame God for putting her there. How often do I pass the buck instead of repenting? For my own sake, and for my future wife's sake, I need to be honest with God, and with myself, so that nothing gets in the way of the respect, honour, and care I'm meant to give her.
Dear God, though I don't yet know who I'll marry, or even if You have someone for me to journey through this life with besides Yourself, and the friends, family and church You've blessed me with, I want to live a life of integrity and honour so that I'm prepared if and when I meet her. Make me over in Your image so that I will have the most I possibly can to offer her. Bless her even now, and prepare her as well, so that when we marry we would help one another, and reflect the picture of You and Your bride to those around us. Amen.
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