Defining masculinity Is deceptively difficult. We don’t always have someone around to demonstrate true and healthy manhood. That’s why masculinity is defined by the God who makes men.
God Makes Men
We need a better definition of masculinity, and who better to define what masculinity is than the Creator himself. When God created life, he reached down to touch and mold man from the earth. With care and intimacy, he created man in a distinct way. Ultimately, we learn that God is embedding his own image into man.
The Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. (Genesis 2:7)
In the surrounding verses of Genesis 2, we watch as God defines the purpose of this first man prior to the creation of woman:
1. The Purpose of his Work,
2. The Expanse of his Authority,
3. The Parameters of his Obedience
4. The Need For Relationship – A Wife
Masculinity Finds Its Definition In God Alone.
Masculinity is often not modelled in the home, or in our culture through the world’s examples. It also isn’t found in our workplaces were selfishness and corruption can sometimes abound. That’s why ultimately and completely, masculinity is defined by the God who makes men.
The God-Man Jesus
In reading the story of God and humanity in the Bible we search for ideal representations of men among the kings, priests, prophets, warriors, and leaders we meet. As we examine their lives we sense and see that something is never quite right. That sin has damaged God’s reflection of true masculinity.
These biblical heroes are so broken and flawed, prone to disobedience and wickedness. And yet, within the same men, we see beautiful glimpses of masculinity. In the face of extreme challenges there was undeterred faith, unwavering conviction, humble service and willing sacrifices.
When God himself enters time and space to give us the model man, we meet Him as His Son, Jesus. It is then that we finally have a perfect divine depiction of manhood. It is by meeting Jesus that we finally begin to understand what true masculinity is.
It is in the Gospels, that we discover Jesus has the attributes and commitments that show us how to live as a man. If you are a man looking for true masculinity, consider these commitments that come from the Scriptures and let them have a significant impact on your own understanding of masculinity. This will transform your life in being a man or in looking for an example of one. So as you lead, and as you fulfill a role and responsibility in this life as an employer, employee, husband, father, and son. Here are some key examples to follow:
1. A man commits to putting Jesus first.
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26)
2. A man commits to believing Jesus in all circumstances.
After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:66–69)
3. A man commits to practicing the spiritual disciplines like Jesus.
Rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35)
4. A man commits to dwelling in the Word of truth like Jesus did.
Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31–32)
5. A man commits to growing and multiplying like Jesus revealed.
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:8)
6. A man commits to loving others as Jesus demonstrated.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34–35)
7. A man commits to the brotherhood and community of faith that Jesus died for.
Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24–25)