According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of objectifying is as follows: “to treat (someone) as an object rather than as a person” Now think for a moment if people started looking, referring, and treating you like an “object”? How do you believe you would feel? Insulted? Demeaned? Dishonored? Befouled? Humiliated? Tarnished?
How about outright pissed? You know you would be! So why then is it considered cool or even natural for us men to look upon women as playthings created simply for our own gratification? This type of behavior rings with an air of superiority, which we have no right to claim.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28,
There is no mistaking that men and women are different. However, they also are seen as equal in God’s eyes. And if the Creator sees them that way, then how can we not? There are many reasons why women are not sex objects and should not be treated as such. Let’s take a look at four.
1. She is a Princess of the King
When men objectify women, we’re asking for trouble because we are messing with God’s daughters. Wow, how stupid are we? We are taking the princesses of the King and reducing them to nothing more than toys. How in the world could we ever believe that is okay?
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
We are commanded to be respectful and loving of others – both men and women. However, there is nothing loving about objectifying more than half of the world’s population. We must elect to treat women in a Christ-like manner and provide them with the respect and dignity they deserve as children of God.
2. She’s Entitled to be Feminine
One way men justify their objectification of women is based on how some dress. However, there is nothing wrong with women expressing their femininity and wanting to feel pretty! Women are entitled to experience those feelings without having to worry about men objectifying them. Instead we should learn to admire and simply observe a woman’s beauty instead of lusting after it. Women should not need to wrap their bodies in burlap because men lack control over lust.
[shortcode-variables slug=”eyes-of-integrity-ebook-inline”]3. She has a Brain
Women are not inanimate. Women are not sex objects. They breathe, walk, talk, and think. They have a brain. So what gives men the impression that women are playthings we can use and discard? We live in the modern age of time where women have demonstrated their equality on many levels. They serve in leadership roles in churches, universities, corporations, and even as heads of state in many countries. Yet, too many men prefer to view them as body parts instead of appreciating the whole person. “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10
4. She Deserves Better
Life is difficult. As men we face enormous pressures everyday, whether it’s stress with our jobs, distension in our families, conflicts within our church, the lack of me-time, or a battling a sexual addiction. But women face similar concerns and worries. They often juggle multiple tasks as a housewife, mother, employee, friend, neighbor, and daughter. And with each of these hats comes challenges and obligations.
But nowhere on that list of duties that a woman is required to perform should be the role of sex object. She deserves better than that from men. If she can stand toe-to-toe with men and manage the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges that the world throws at her, shouldn’t she be treated with the upmost respect? The short answer is yes – because she deserves better. It is our obligation as men to view her through different lenses that don’t focus on her sexuality but instead on her personhood. To treat her as Christ treated all women.
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