We don’t have to look further than the beginning of time to see a “normal” response to sin–a broken, human, prideful response. All of us understand the fear of exposure and consequences. The difference is that, when we know, love, and belong to God, that fear is removed. In Jesus Christ, the penalty is paid and we are accepted, cherished, and sought after in spite of our sin.

However, fear of judgment leads to the following responses:

1. Awareness of sin. I feel exposed. Naked. Guilty. Ashamed. (Genesis 3:7)
2. Camouflaging sin: Adam and Eve made loin coverings. They didn’t cover their arms, legs, head, feet–things they had in common. Instead, they covered personal, exposed differences. When there is sin, it is natural to manipulate, coerce or threaten others in an effort to cover, or camouflage, personal weakness and desires. (Genesis 3:7)
3. Hiding from God (unsuccessfully to be sure, but I make every effort)–otherwise known as isolation. (Genesis 3:8)
4. Making excuses, denying, failing to take responsibility for one’s decision/sin. (Genesis 3:10)
5. Blame-shifting. “It’s not my fault; it’s hers.” Or, worse yet, “It’s not my fault, God, it’s Yours.” (Genesis 3: 12-13)
6. Using male privilege. “I deserve different treatment because I’m the man/leader.” (Genesis 3:12)

All that to say, the power and control wheel created by the Duluth Project makes biblical sense. If you aren’t familiar with that construct, I am including it below. Too many women are taught–especially in the church–to be submissive at all costs; that husbands are entrusted with absolute, not limited, authority. That is unbiblical. No person has absolute authority over another. Jesus knew the foolishness of that kind of thinking:

But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, because He knew all people, and because He did not need anyone to testify about mankind, for He Himself knew what was in mankind. (John 2:24-25)

Instead, “kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter 2:23). Even King David refused to trust the bounds of evil men when he had sinned against God:

“I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into human hands.” (2 Samuel 24:14)

Where sin is involved, we should not be surprised but, instead, should expect natural, sinful responses. It is only by God’s grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ that we run to Him when we sin.

Man’s Solution: God’s Solution:

MEN- what are you doing to look for, point out, and walk along side men who are exhibiting these responses? WOMEN- are your eyes open to see the isolation? Are your ears open to hear the blame she takes upon herself?

May we come alongside, seek to understand, and apply biblical truth to sinful responses, especially against women who are made loin cloths, providing temporary, inadequate, covering for sin.