It is unique, to be created in the image of the Creator. Both male and female. What does that mean exactly? For most Christians, it means that we treat others with respect and don't swear. It means we refrain from drinking, from drugs. But I believe God is calling us deeper. Being a Christian goes further than a checklist of do’s or don’ts. One part of the Christian faith I see myself and peers struggling with is the whole idea of treating ourselves with respect and realizing what that means in relationships. Whether it is friendship relationships or partner relationships, people have been deciding instead of waiting for someone who meets their standards, to rather compromise in order for a person to be in their life.
I understand there is compromise involved in relationships, but there should be a line that should not be crossed when it comes to compromise. When girls are little, they often hear about the “Prince Charmings” and the characteristics these males would have. They would be kind, honest, compassionate, loyal, genuine, respectful, humble, courageous, gentle, polite, giving, reliable, and of course, handsome. As these girls grow older, such character traits fall to the background as things like not doing drugs or not getting drunk are good enough for these people to be suitable friends or partners. But when someone who will be a huge influence in your life such as a best friend or a boyfriend/girlfriend, should have traits you would like to have. I've heard the saying about how you become most like those who you spend the most time with. So why settle for those who will drag you down?
God calls us to be a holy temple for him, to carry ourselves with a higher purpose, and to go and do his work. We are able to join with other Christians and do these things. God has called us into community, into communion with others. The Christian faith isn't meant to be done alone. We can't do it alone. This is why it is essential to have others surrounding us. Others who will push us out of our comfort zones, push us beyond our limits, push us to be better people for the glory of God. We need to have people who will be our support beams when the walls are cracking. We need to have people who will encourage us. We need to have people who will love us like God calls us to love. So why would we settle for less?
Relationships can be amazing things. It is so wonderful to have someone by your side who will grow with you, compliment your character, share laughter, and be your best friend. That is what a relationship is supposed to be. It isn't meant to be continuous fighting, mean words exchanged, secrets kept away from SO, or trying to get even. It isn't someone who verbally, mentally, emotionally, or physically abuses you.
Let me talk to the females.
God has created you for a unique purpose. Women tend to have more emotions, more gentle characteristics. Women are meant to be loved and cared for. Why would you want to be with someone who makes you feel bad about who you are? You are created beautiful. Whoever is with you should believe you are beautiful, whether wearing makeup or not wearing any at all. Every time they see you, they should believe how lucky they are to be with you. They should want to be with you, should want to see you happy, and should push you to be a better you. Being involved with someone means being only involved with them. Cheating isn't okay. Them not treating you like you are amazing isn't okay. Don’t let them treat you for less than you are. If someone is showing the signs of taking you for granted or not making the effort to be in your life, stop forcing them to stay, because you deserve someone who loves you and wants to be there for you. Love should not be mediocre. Why would you settle for less?
Let me talk to the males.
I may be biased, coming from the female perspective, but let's set the record straight and get down to it. Cheating isn't okay. Playing games with a girl’s heart isn't okay. Being a jerk isn't okay. God has created males to be generally more leaders. I'm not saying no one else can be a leader, but in the case of male/female roles, males are made to take care of the females in their lives. Times are changing but the idea of being cared for has stayed the same. Women like to be cared about. It is your responsibility to rise up and care for, respect, and take responsibility to be a strong guide. Be a leader to your peers, teach those younger than you what it means to not watch porn, to not look at women as something meant to be used. When it seems like the standards around are falling, stand your ground and keep those high standards and challenge those around you to also take them up. Go ahead and understand your emotions. Don’t be afraid to be in love with a female. So many people I know think it’s cool to have many girls they're talking to. You know what is cooler? Having one girl. Having one girl instead of several who you constantly flirt with. Don’t be afraid to be a good example for those younger males. Take a minute and think about if you had a daughter and she was involved with a guy like you, would you be happy? If not, make the effort to be a better man. Make the effort to rise up and be a man of God. Why would you settle for less?
Let me talk to everyone.
Stop hating yourself for everything you aren’t, start loving yourself for everything you are.
You are created with a purpose. You are loved. You are not defined by the past, the present, or the future. You are made in the image of a Creator. We are made to help others, to bond with people and form relationships. But you don’t have to worry about fitting in or being cool enough because God already made us cool enough in him and we all fit in his arms, there is enough room for everyone. Don’t let what others call you be where you find your identity. After all...
Why would you settle for less when you were made for so much more?
