A Person After God’s Design

Well, mercy me, friend, look at you wanderin’ up on this ol’ front porch like a curious lil’ ol’ bobcat that finally decided to he can be behavin’ himself in public. Come on up here and mind that ol’ turkey gobbler over there struttin’ around like it thinks it oughta be crowned king of the whole barnyard. Sit with me for a lil’ ol’ spell because we’re about to talk about somethin’ mighty important. God’s design for manhood and womanhood. And it’s a whole lot stronger, steadier, and more noble than anything this culture has tried to replace it with.

Genesis 1:26 says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion.” That there verse sets the tone. God created men and women to exercise responsibility, courage, and care. Not to drift around like a lil’ ol’ distracted raccoons lookin’ for shiny things. Culture may paint men and women as weak or unfocused, but Scripture paints ‘em as leaders under God’s authority, created to steward what He places in their hands.

The Lord told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous” in Joshua 1:9. That there ain’t no suggestion. It’s a downright callin’. A man or woman who walks with God ain’t loud or bossy. They’re steady. They’re responsible. They protect what God entrusts to ‘em the way a shepherd guards sheep from a sneaky lil’ ol’ coyote that thinks it can slip in unnoticed.

Paul adds, “Act like men, be strong” in 1 Corinthians 16:13. Biblical manhood and womanhood ain’t about havin’ big muscles or big brains. It’s about spiritual backbone. It’s about standin’ real firm when the world tries to push you off center. It’s about leadin’ with humility and servin’ with joy.

And Jesus Himself said, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” in Matthew 20:26. A godly man or woman don’t dominate. They elevate. They bless. They carry responsibility the way a sturdy ol’ mule carries a load up a mountain trail. Real quiet. Real steady. Real faithful.

And here’s another Scripture to deepen this truth. “The integrity of the upright guides them” in Proverbs 11:3. When a man or woman lives under Christ’s authority, their integrity becomes a guidepost. Their leadership brings peace. Their courage brings direction. Their obedience brings blessin’.

Father, make every man and woman who reads this a person after Your design. Give ‘em strength, humility, courage, and a servant’s heart. Help ‘em lead well, love deeply, and walk faithfully under Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Well, glory be, friend, don’t that shine brighter than a lil’ ol’ possum’s eyes in a flashlight beam. As you step off this porch and wander back into the adventures of your day, let your callin’ stand tall like a windmill turnin’ steady in a prairie breeze. Let your courage rise like a big ol’ bull elk liftin’ its head at sunrise. Let your faith settle into your bones like sweet tea coolin’ you on a scorchin’ summer afternoon. And make sure your leadership blesses every soul that crosses your path. Now go right on ahead, friend, and git to walkin’ out your God-given manhood or womanhood with joy.

With joy,

Gwen