We live in a mixed-up world. Whether people are aware of it or not, two of the most important elements missing from today’s Western civilization are masculine men and feminine women.

The trend started after World War II, and has become a huge problem since the 1960s.

An identity crisis now plagues our culture. Gender lines are so blurred and jumbled, it is difficult for many to establish and settle into their distinct, God-ordained roles.

It is meaningful that we are created as either male or female. Inborn differences, not only physical ones but also mental and emotional, distinguish us from one another.

What is true masculinity?

Some think masculinity means to be loud, obstinate, heartless and unemotional. Those, however, are not traits to describe masculinity as God intended it to be.

By basic nature, the man is a leader. God created him that way. He appointed the man to be the head of the household, the wife to be his helper.

Eph. 5:23-25 states, “for the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church, and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore, as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husband in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”

He did not intend for women to take on manly characteristics; nor did he design men to be effeminate.

Robert Roy, Lewiston