The Age of the "Wuss"

While listening to a well know radio show, a female caller made the point that we now live it the "age of the wuss." Now, just what is a "wuss"? The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition states, "Slang: A person regarded as weak or timid and especially as unmanly." A "wuss" is a wimp; a timid, ineffectual man.

The caller gave a number of examples of men, in her own family and in her circle of friends, who simply fail to assert their role of leadership in their families, in their careers, and in the market place. She made the point that the abdication of their rightful place as leaders and examples of right values results in a tremendous amount of stress, conflict and unhappiness for them and their families. Her point was that the men of our time should step up to the plate and fulfill their role for the good of all. Her comments made sense and had the sting of truth that hurts.

Feminists may disagree vehemently, asserting that there is no difference in the roles of men and women in modern society. Clearly, we now have women in various roles that were unthinkable a generation ago. We now have women in combat, women walking a police beat, women firefighters, and in other typically male domains. And, while they are able to function in those roles, the results in all too many cases are not fulfillment or genuine happiness in the areas of life that really count.

The caller lamented that all too often men are working long hours, and then shoulder the burden of domestic or household chores usually taken care of by the homemaker. But, since the female counterpart is also working and is simply not available or is unwilling to do the things necessary to run a household, the result is friction, conflict and exhaustion, which does not produce domestic tranquility.

The Holy Bible gives definite instruction on the roles of men and women, which if followed, produces the kind of happy family life that most people truly desire. The Apostle Paul instructed Titus that the older women should, "teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Titus 2:3–5, KJV). In his letter to the Colossians, Paul gave similar sound instruction for family life: "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged" (Colossians 3:18–21). (Read our booklet: God's Plan for Happy Marriage)

This was not a new concept in Paul's time. The inspired words of Joshua, who led the people of Israel after the death of Moses, set a wonderful example for us today. In a time of turmoil and uncertainty, Joshua stood firm as the leader when he said: ^"And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day that you will serve ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).

Yes, it does take courage for men and women to fulfill their God-given roles, but with God's help, following His clear instructions, we can avoid being caught up in "the age of the wuss." Instead, we can do as Joshua did and lead our families with courage and determination to chart the course of our lives using these time tested, inspired biblical principles.