God created man and women in his own image. 

Genesis 1:26a “(NIV 1984) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,…”

But I believe in his creation of man(kind), he split some of his characteristics between men and women.  

Men Received God’s Strength

I believe that the strength of God was primarily given to men and is man’s number one characteristic. This doesn’t mean that women don’t have strength, but strength is a primary characteristic of men.

1 John 2:14b (NIV 1984) I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

This strength is of a physical nature, but it is more about strength to protect, tear down injustice, break barriers for advancement, and hold territory.

When men walk with God he reveals the power of God that brings the respect for God.

Women Received the Beauty of God

I believe that the beauty of God was primarily given to women and is their number one characteristic. This doesn’t mean that men are not handsome, but beauty is a primary characteristic of women. This beauty is of a physical nature, but it is more about bringing the beauty and glory of the Lord into the earth. 

1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV 1984) Your [talking about women]beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

When women walk with God they reveal the glory of God which is intrinsically tied to his beauty and reveals the love of God.

Proverbs 31:30 (NIV 1984) Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

God’s Full Understanding Revealed in Multiple Cultures

Each culture in the world has its own unique representation of beauty and strength. That’s why women of different cultures look slightly different, behave slightly different, and have a different appeal. Different cultures of men have different definitions of strength. Together, we represent a fuller picture of the strength and beauty of God.

World’s Perversion Reflected through these Primary Characteristics 

Unfortunately, when we aren’t spirit led but soul or body led, we pervert strength and beauty away from God’s intentions for us. 

Men can be bullies, dictators, controllers, abusers, manipulators of women through strength.

Women can use their beauty for their own advantage. They may become seductive, flirters, preoccupied with their looks and attire, manipulators of men through sexual influence.

Both sexes can use their God given characteristic for their own ambitions instead of God’s.

Sin brings death. But it begins as slow death. This is why we lose strength and beauty as we get older.

Closing

I hope men will see themselves having a mandate to be strong in and for the Lord, Women will see themselves revealing the glory, beauty, and love of God.