The Creation Story: A Foundation for Unity
It is understandable that men seek to lead, as they were called to be leaders. However, it is also natural for women to desire recognition and equality after realizing their own potential. Both men and women were made to have dominion over creation.
Genesis 1:27-28 (NLT): “So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God, He created them; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.’”
In His infinite wisdom, God recognized that it wasn’t good for man to be alone. The Trinity decided that man needed a helper (Ezer)—a woman. Woman was created not as an afterthought, but as an essential partner in God’s grand design.
Genesis 2:18 (NLT): “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.’”
“Ezer” is a combination of two words: one meaning “to rescue” or “to save,” and the other meaning “to be strong.” It can also mean an ally or rescuer, someone who comes to help when people call out.
But there is more to the story. The devil understood this potential for greatness and sought to disrupt it. Why did the devil choose to tempt the woman instead of the man? Perhaps because the man was more aware of his role and authority, making him less susceptible to temptation. However, the woman, who was created as the man’s helper, was targeted because of her vital role in completing and strengthening the man. The devil understood that by deceiving the woman, he could indirectly influence the man, exploiting their interconnected roles.
The Enemy’s Continued Attack on Unity
From the beginning until now, the devil has worked tirelessly to create division between men and women. He understands the power they hold when united. The command to be fruitful, multiply, and govern the earth was given to both man and woman—together, they were to exercise dominion over all creation.
It’s no wonder that the topic of submission often becomes a point of contention. This unity is so powerful that it poses a significant threat to the enemy, which is why marriage is often under attack. The devil knows what a married couple can achieve when they work in harmony.
Both men and women were given the right and power to govern creation, a task that can only be fulfilled through collaboration. With unity, there are no limitations, for the one who lives within us is greater than the one in the world.
1 John 4:4 (NIV) assures us, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
The Biblical Call to Mutual Submission
Scripture calls both men and women to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. True submission isn’t about diminishing one’s worth but about self-denial and sacrificial love.
Ephesians 5:21 (NLT): “And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Women are asked to submit to their husbands, not because they are lesser, but because of the power and influence they hold. Likewise, men are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church—a love so profound that it demands a willingness to lay down one’s life.
Ephesians 5: 22-25 (NIV): 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
Marriage, by its very nature, requires a death to self, as there is no ‘I’ in it. Even God, the Almighty Creator, is a Trinity, illustrating the power of unity. The enemy’s relentless efforts to divide men and women stem from his fear of what we can accomplish together. We were created in God’s image, with the purpose of reigning over creation, and we were created to reflect His nature—a nature that embodies unity.
Let us embrace our roles and work together to fulfill the purpose God has set before us, honoring the unity and strength we have as His creations.
