Beautiful Truth

Many years ago Tim and I, along with 2 other couples, signed up for introductory ballroom dance classes in preparation for a formal event where it would have been nice to know some basic dance steps. It was an enlightening experience to say the least. Let's just say, Tim and I now have a greater appreciation for those couples who can glide effortlessly across a dance floor, moving in fluid motion as one. We also have a better understanding of the need for one of the dance partners to lead. Without the strong, confident guidance of the leader, the couple ends up with four left feet (not a pretty sight). When the leader does his part, and the partner follows it is a beautiful thing to behold.

In the first chapter of What's the Difference? Dr. John Piper gives us his reasons for writing it. He says:

Over the years I have come to see from Scripture and from life that manhood and womanhood are the beautiful handiwork of a good and loving God. He designed our differences and they are profound. They are not mere physiological prerequisites for sexual union. They go to the root of our personhood. This essay is an attempt to define some of those differences as God wills them to be according to the Bible.

And so, in this book Piper is attempting to convince his readers of the reasonableness of man and woman's differences and purposes. He begins by building his case, "according to the Bible." Evangelical Christians should want to know what the Bible teaches on manhood and womanhood. Piper helps us by presenting in this short book a clear and concise argument for this truth.

But Piper also recognizes there is another convincing way for the truth of Biblical manhood and womanhood to become attractive to us. He answers the question:

Is the vision beautiful and satisfying and fulfilling? Can I live with it? ....Not only must there be thorough exegesis [the study of words and context], there must also be a portrayal of the vision that satisfies the heart as well as the head. Or to put it another way: we must commend the beauty as well as the truth of the vision. We must show that something is not only right but also good. It is not only valid but also valuable, not only accurate but also admirable.

Are you reading along? If you are, how are you learning more of the beauty and truth of God's design for the "dance" of biblical manhood and womanhood?