‘Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. ‘ Ephesians 5:1-2
Throughout human history, men have preyed upon and victimized women. That’s no secret, however, I believe in society today it has reached unfathomable levels. Being a man, it would be impossible to fully understand the extent to which women are constantly assailed by it. Would it surprise you to know, in our world today, human trafficking generates more revenue than all drug and weapons trafficking combined?! Think about that.
Due to a recent situation that was brought to my attention, I feel compelled to offer a gut check to each and every man reading this. Every single woman that you know will experience sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and/or sexual extortion, in some form, her entire life! Men gawk at, lust after, proposition, extort, prey upon, manipulate, and exert their power (physical, financial or positional) over women in every facet and level of our society. Even worse, I wager there are many, if not guilty of direct infringement, are complicit through silence, inaction and a desire for self preservation. This has got to stop. Every person reading this right now has to determine to be a tool in effecting its elimination. Every man, especially those who profess to be followers of Christ, must be willing to stand up and say “NOT ON MY WATCH”. We are to be a shield against this. We are to view each and every woman as a child of God, to see them as Christ sees them. We are to offer our protection and confidence, to be a safe place for any and all in need.
Kevin has been speaking on this topic for the past few weeks, and it’s been on my heart. However, in light of the recent event that I mentioned above, I am angry! But, it shouldn’t have taken a specific instance, happening to someone I care about to make me so. We all should be angry, filled with a fury and desire to protect and shelter our women no matter what.
I could sit here and try to offer a long list of contributing factors that might lead a man down a path of this kind of abuse, but I won’t. Frankly, I’m beyond caring in the least as to the reasons. As men, it is our God authored duty to be the shield, offer our protections, and stand between women and would be offenders. And if this is a line you know you have crossed, or struggle with, I do not care what the reason is, it has to STOP! Confess, repent, take action, seek help and see to it that you never let it happen again. If you know of any situations such as this going on, take action. Be the man you are called to be. Be the shield, the loving defender.
‘But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ‘ Ephesians 5:3-5
‘Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ‘ Philippians 2:3-4
