In the past forty years, here in the south, the word harlot or slut has been changed to sexually active. The former horror of being one of these types of girls has been eroded until it is a choice instead of a deviant lifestyle. The same thing happened in the home. The housewife, who viewed the husband as her priority, now sees the children as her main goal, hence a "stay-at-home-mom".

What happened? America is in the throes of an intense feminization of its people. Our language changes show it. Men no longer need courage; it is okay to have some phobias. Our children should not be abused (as in whipping); but need their self-esteem elevated. Discipline is now abuse?!

The church is partially responsible. Socialistic change tactics have entered into the church. The Bible-based role of male-influenced church activities has been given over to feminine-based roles. Instead of producing young men to become "church fathers," we produce wimpy pastors who handle church problems by giving in and liberalizing the standards and expectations. Praise & worship, church decisions, and functions are based on emotions and not sound Biblical principles from a rational mind. Why? Just as mothers give into a child's "please" more often than a masculine dad, the new feminine church has followed suit.

The main reason for change is that we have forgotten the priority of the church; which is to preach and teach the gospel of the kingdom. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33). Instead, we concern ourselves with people's feelings and desires as priority. In that manner, we end up "mothering" the church instead of being "spiritual fathers." As the housewife has a priority as the bride of the husband, we must fulfill the desires of our Father and let Him reach out through us to the children. If we concentrate on the children, we fail to concentrate on the Father. Ever wonder why Catholicism uses the term "mother church," while Protestantism has spawned "church fathers?"

We now have wonderful programs that focus on the family. Yet, the Book of Acts' church focused on Jesus. Jesus said that we must forsake father, mother, and etc. to be His disciple. "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." (Luke 14:26). There will not be any marriage in heaven besides the believer to Christ. Earthly family cannot be our priority if we please God. Modern churches have numerous plans and programs for each family member, but the programs for evangelizing their city get smaller and smaller. The masculine attitude of conqueror and builder of greater things by force and power is replaced by a motherly care of everyone's feelings; i.e. being sure everyone is feeling okay. Because people like to go see "mama," a large church can be built around people's needs. But, there are no miracles, no Holy Ghost power, and no great soul winning outreaches in most. These churches usually grow when babies leave an at least partly masculine church to get coddled at the breast of a mother church.

We should teach our ladies that, as a married spouse, their first priority is to their husband. Their children are a secondary priority. "Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all." (Galatians 4:1). As a church, our first priority is sound doctrine and the presence of the Father (through the Spirit). Our second priority is to care for people. Confuse the two and feminization will result. (In the Book of Acts, see the men chosen to serve tables, so apostles could have "word & prayer" priority.)

There is almost a cult-like push in the church for family values or Judeo-Christian values. While both are grand goals, they can truly come only as a result of a heart change from our Father God. We must not emphasize our family over our Father in Heaven. A church that pleases the Father in doctrine and lifestyle will see that "all these things will be added" unto them. Our family is only as safe as our relationship to God the Father.

Men, let us spread the life changing, family-changing gospel! Let us not veer from the sound, holy Bible teachings. Let our spiritual strength lead us to God-given compassion for the lost and hurting. Let us expect a powerful miracle instead of a temporary band-aid. Let us glorify God, the Father, instead of mother earth! "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Clinton says, "for the children," so that he can make political and social changes. Let us work for the Father who cares for His own children. Does your church resemble the housewife (bride) concentrating on the groom or is it a stay-at-home-mom?