The Next Generation

So as we've seen men and women were created different for a reason. God had different roles for each to fit into. We have recently been talking about what it looks like to be a Godly man. We looked at some passages out of 1 Timothy as well as Titus. Here you will find that men should have qualities like being sober-minded, be above reproach, not violent, not quarrelsome, and able to teach to name a few. We've only begun to scratch the surface of what the next generation of men need to strive towards.
I recently read a section out of Dr. James Dobson's book, Bringing Up Boys. He offers up some great practical tips on what fathers should be teaching their sons. He says,
"I'm going to throw some suggestions at you now in rapid succession, assuming you are the father of one or more boys. Here we go: If you speak disparagingly of the opposite sex, or if you refer to females as sex objects, those attitudes translate directly into dating and marital relationships later on. Remember that your goal is to prepare a boy to lead a family when he's grown and to show him how to earn the respect of those he serves. Tell him it is great to laugh and have fun with his friends, but advise him not to be "goofy." Guys who are goofy are not respected, and people, especially girls and women, do not follow boys and men whom they disrespect. Also, tell your son that he is never to hit a girl under any circumstances. Remind him that she is not as strong as he is and that she is deserving of his respect. Not only should he not hurt her, but he should protect her if she is threatened. When he is strolling along with a girl on the street, he should walk on the outside, nearer the cars. That is symbolic of his responsibility to take care of her. When he is on a date, he should pay for her food and entertainment. Also (and this is simply my opinion), girls should not call boys on the telephone-at least not until a committed relationship has developed. Guys must be the initiators, planning the dates and asking for the girls company. Teach your son to open doors for girls and to help them with their coats or their chairs in a restaurant. When a guy goes to her house to pick up his date, tell him to get out of the car and knock on the door. Never honk. Teach him to stand in formal situations, when a woman leaves the room or a table or when she returns. This is a way of showing respect for her. If he treats her like a lady, she will treat him like a man. It's a great plan."

I'm sure for many these things seem like pretty normal behavior. Unfortunately it is not for many of our youth who lack the example of a good father. I hope however that the next generation of men will be filled with those who respect women and treat them the way they deserve to be treated. I also hope that young ladies will expect to be treated this way and not settle for any less from the guys.