Hormotions

Today, I'm going to explain the facts of life. It's not about the birds and the bees, it's about the spirit and the flesh and emotions based upon hormones. Naturally, there are Shemotions and Hemotions. There is so much in the news about gender issues, that I think we peculiar folk need a greater understanding than blind obedience. There is nothing wrong with simply being obedient because our Father, our Creator has called us to be, but in dealing with the world around us, it's nice to recognize some of the variables.

For our discussion today, even though the " social programming" says otherwise, we are created male or female. Whether we like it or not, the color of booties immediately makes note of a difference. Back before we knew the gender of the baby on the way, there was a great deal of yellow and mint green, but once the little bundle of joy arrived, pink or blue tended to dominate the "wardrobe" and decor. Now we are experiencing a third perspective, but that doesn't really change the genetic reality, only the social protocol also known as political correctness . . . That's not really the issue I intend to tackle today, though.

We are created spiritual beings with a body, either male or female. The package or container for our spirit does come with some interesting extras, which include emotions and moods. In perfection, our emotions and moods are determined by our spiritual perspective and maturity, but sometimes moods are at least influenced by our physical reality, a.k.a. hormones. I'm sure we can all agree that men and women vary dramatically in their moods based upon hormones.

I am only able to speak of what I've seen and heard, but here goes. When men are driven by hormones, they tend to not think of long term consequences, where as when women are hormonal, the entire future appears to be based upon that temporary perspective. Sadly, what may be just a "moment" for a man, is often viewed as a "future" by a woman. These opposing perspectives alone have probably resulted in at least one sorrowful romantic encounter for most of us. That is to say neither gender makes good decisions when our emotional perspective is ruled by the natural rather than the spiritual, and even after being born again and regeneration has occurred by the Spirit of YHWH, we are still human. Knowing that fact and realizing it "under the influence" are two different things, so there are a few things we can consider to not be run by "hormotions."

Don't make any major decisions at a time when hormones are not at their usual safety level. Mid-life crisis for men or pre-menopause for women are terrible times to choose a big debt item or start another family . . .

For women, even the monthly fluctuation of hormones can be frustrating, not only for ourselves but for those around us. I think that's truly one of the reasons, YHWH said, "Just get on outside of camp for a week. Come back when your outlook on life has improved!"

As we mature spiritually, it is somewhat easier to remain objective rather than "hormotional," but the safest and surest way to avoid a long term problem from short term fluctuation is to set guidelines for ourselves when we are directed by the Spirit and at our level-headed best. Know what time of the month is the worst time to make a major decision and don't make one through that time. Take note of what co-workers just a little older are discussing and consider whether or not that is a place you want to be, when you get there. If there is a particular weakness, seek wise counsel.

Paul addressed it pretty well in I Corinthians 9:27. I'll quote then I'll paraphrase. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Paraphrase: When my body is feeling out of balance, regardless of what I have said I believe, it is just too easy to lose it!