Male and Female Are Equal but Different

            Families, communities, and nations are stronger when children, youth, and young adults understand that male and female were created different and that these differences are good. They were created different to be two halves of a whole. They are sort of like the two halves of a “best friends” necklace set. The two halves do not look exactly, but they are equal. Another comparison is that of a pair of scissors. The blades are not identical, but they are equal. Each plays a part in the purpose of their creation.


            Male and female were created to play individual parts in Heavenly Father’s plan for the happiness of His children. They were created equally but different because they have different jobs to do. Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke on this topic on August 20, 2013, at Brigham Young University and made the following statement about the equality of men and women.
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Men and women are equal in God’s eyes and in the eyes of [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints], but equal does not mean the same. The responsibilities and divine gifts of men and women differ in their nature but not in their importance or influence. God does not regard either gender as better or more important than the other….

Men and women have different gifts, different strengths, and different points of view and inclinations. That is one of the fundamental reasons we need each other. It takes a man and a woman to create a family, and it takes men and women to carry out the work of the Lord. A husband and wife righteously working together complete each other. Let us be careful that we do not attempt to tamper with our Heavenly Father’s plan and purposes in our lives.

            Children, youth, and young adults must be taught that God made male and female, he did not make one sex superior and one inferior. He made them equal but gave each of them unique responsibilities. To help them meet those tasks, He gave them unique bodies. He also gave them unique talents and gifts. When the rising generation understands the importance of both male and female bodies in the plan of salvation, they are much less likely to be confused about their personal role. As they accept the roles and responsibilities of their sex, they will strengthen their families, communities, and nations.