Friday, April 8, 2011

Shaping Men Into Princes

"God's sacred intent for us goes far beyond just saving sex until marriage, wearing one-piece swimsuits instead of skimpy string bikinis, or idolizing Christian bands instead of secular ones. It is not just making sure we tack on some Christian morality to our self-indulgent lives. His sacred intent for you and for me is nothing short of absolute abandonment to Jesus Christ, entire separation from the pollution of the world, and ardent worship of our King with every breath we take." ~Leslie Ludy

When we allow Christ to rule over every part of our being we become the beautiful, and radiant woman that every Godly guy dreams about. It's hard to believe that there are guys out there who really are Christ-built Warrior Poets, but they are out there. I know that there are guys out there losing the belief that there are Christ-consumed young woman out there as well. It's time to show the world that girls like that DO exist!

Warrior Poets are longing for the radiance of a set-apart young woman. A girl who is not afraid to stand up for the principals of God. Who above all else, strives to live her life the way Christ would want her to. And is willing to be labeled a prude, uptight, and stiff because of what she believes in.

Here are some practical ways to start shaping the men in your life to be the Warrior Poets that God created them to be (borrowed from Leslie Ludy, Answering the Guy Questions).

Hold Out for God's Best
"There are lots of Christian guys out there-guys who profess Christ but allow self to reign and rule their lives"

Many young woman lower their standards, mostly out of desperation. Thinking that if they don't grab a guy now, they will end up alone. That is NOT putting your faith and trust in God's plan for you. It becomes a manipulation to try to make a romance happen. And that is not faith. If you settle for less then a man who is fully yielded to Christ you are settling for less then God's best for you. Keeping your standards high honors God.

Let Him Win Your Heart
"Most of us are so eager for a guy's approval that we carelessly throw ourselves at anything male that looks our way. Among today's love-hungry women, a man doesn't have to work very hard to win a woman's heart."

Christ did an amazing thing on the cross when he gave up His life for you. Don't cheapen what He has done by throwing your heart to guys one after another. God designed men to pursue woman, so let them! You just trust God and His perfect and wonderful plan for you.

Don't Be in a Hurry
"So many young woman I talk to feel that the moment a guy shows interest in them, they are in an urgent situation and need to make a quick decision."

How much faith can you have in your God, if this is your mentality? If God desires a relationship to happen, you don't need to be the one to rush or feel pressured into opening the door to a guy. When a guy shows interest, spend a good amount of time in prayer. I don't just mean a day or two I mean diligent, persistent prayer. Look into what God's plan is for you before you jump into any kind of relationship.

Recruit the Help of a Protector
"In the olden days, a man would have to go to a woman's father and receive his permission even to "come calling" on her. In other words, he couldn't spend time getting to know her without getting the okay from her "protector"."

Culture has changed so much that this is not even relevant in our day in age. The concept though of having a protector in your life is so important. It's an issue of placing value on the priceless treasure of your heart. When you allow your parents (or other godly leaders) to serve in position of protection over you, you agree that your heart is a gift and should not be taken lightly. A guy can prove he is worthy of you by honoring the people of authority over you. If you are on your own, that shouldn't stop you from having a protector. A pastor, an elder of the church that will look out for your best interest.

I love how Leslie ends her chapter about shaping men into princes...

"Following the narrow path of Christ-built femininity truly is hero work. It means choosing to live selflessly and sacrificially in order to help shape men into princes God created them to be. Remember that God has not called you to walk this path in your own strength. If you submit your femininity fully to Him, He will give you everything you need to become radiant, vibrant, heroic example of His nature."