America is in a crisis.
I weep so often as I look around and see the staggering confusion of masculinity and manhood identity crisis. As we look at sociological data and statistics, analysts often point out the root problem in the failure of men. In our fatherless culture, many guys struggle with their identity as men to live as faithful husbands and responsible fathers; as a result, they feel alienated from God.
While the world seems increasingly confused about matters as basic as what it means to be male, churches offer little to help men find true healing which raises some of the most important issues facing Christians today. We must reach men in Jesus Christ by the power of Christ’s substitutionary death and resurrection.
The church is in great need of awakening and renewal; Richard Baxter said it well, “Its greatest need might well be godly men.”
Here are three suggestions I give to regain our biblical manhood.
- Authentic Engagement
I believe the core of the problem within our society is this: Fewer men within the church are engaging the world. We simply don’t have examples of men around us. Leadership should be characterized by real authentic examples as much as by admonition and instruction.
Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice.
Robert E. Coleman from the book Master Plan of Evangelism said it well, “It is good to tell people what we mean, but it is infinitely better to show them. People are looking for a demonstration, not an explanation.”
God has staked the future of the church and the Christian family on men. So goes the men in the church, so goes the church, so goes the men in the church, so goes the culture in the world.
- Local Church
Our idea of men’s ministry is to provide food, sports or entertainment while we dance around men’s deepest problems without actually addressing them.
Yet, everywhere I go today, I find men who suffer from crushed masculinity. There is a sense of poor fathering, lack of affirmation, bullying, family rejection, inferiority or some form of abuse. Their manhood did not develop properly. They are men on the outside, but inside they are wounded boys who are afraid to tell anyone how they feel.
Biblical manliness is about living through the relational environment through the local church. Each of us is unique as Christ has made us in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church. God decided in the midst of a crooked nation to use people such as you and me. Men are called to lead the church. What the church needs most is an army of godly men.
Mark Dever from 9Marks ministry said it well, “We believe the local church is the focal point of God’s plan for displaying his glory to the nations. Our vision is simple: Churches that reflect the character of God.”
In the midst of where darkness seems to overwhelm our society, it is the opportunity for the church to shine even brighter than ever before. There has never been a more crucial moment than we are living in right now.
- Disciple-making
Older men, younger men need you (Titus 2:2-12).
I don’t know you’ve noticed with the gradual and casual change of our lives, our young boys and youth are going through fire. Sometimes our number one priority may not be on our children, but on Satan’s agenda they are the number one priority.
Biblical manhood involves cultivating, embracing, and exercising leadership initiative, especially spiritual leadership initiative. If we don’t do it, who is going to do it?
If we want a strong church, we cannot assume men magically show up. We have to encourage men, equip men, go after men, and find men who are strong in faith (1 Cor. 16:13) in Christ by the grace of God.
A Call to True Biblical Manhood
We already have enough men who are “bench warmers” in the pews and think Christianity is a spectator-sport. We have not been called to hold the fort, but to storm the heights. We are to rise up to greatness. Let’s get out of our seats and go into the streets!
“Give me 100 men who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God; such alone will shake the gates of hell,” John Wesley once said.
I pray God will call forth a new generation of men who will simply, humbly, sacrificially follow their Lord Jesus with hearts devoted to the glory of God.