Unlike all the other things God created, He gave man the mental and spiritual capacities that enable mankind to relate to God, love Him supremely, and to serve Him. God gave mankind the authority to rule over the rest of creation as His earthly vice-mentors and ambassadors. We were meant to function like a mirror, reflecting the goodness of God in creation.
Two verses focus on the intent of our plan to be the men God created us to be: I Corinthians 16:13-14: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do, be done in love”.
- Be on the Alert: another version of the Bible says to Be Watchful. The point of this phrase is that we as men need to have our antennae up and be aware of what is going on around us, specifically looking for opportunities and also being aware of the dangers. As Christians, we are in danger always, given that Satan desires to sift us. Luke 22.31
- Stand Firm in the Faith: the original language refers to a military phrase that means “holding one's position”. In the military when you are charged with holding a position – you only have one responsibility. Hold the position, no matter what. As a Christian man, we have also been given orders. The Bible is our source of truth. Anything that does not uphold these Biblical truths, must be rejected - strongly. Some of the truths on who God is, who Jesus is, the pathway to heaven, sanctity of life, marriage of one man and one woman, and responsibilities that God has entrusted to us as the head of our family.
- Act Like Men: The original Greek language describes this phrase as being both mature AND courageous. Both characteristics are important to spiritual responsibility and to manhood.
Our role is very similar to the difference between cowboys and shepherds. To move cattle on the open range you get behind them and drive them where you want to go. To move sheep, however, to move them you need to have a relationship with them, so they trust you, then you lead them where you want them to go.
- Be Strong: Immediately we think of physical strength or maybe a runner who pushes through all of the walls to get to the end of the marathon. Being strong means at least these two things; taking responsibility for your actions/decisions and displaying bravery in the face of adversity. Notice there is no discussion of how we feel in the face of adversity. Jesus indicated we would face adversity just as He did, however, God will use these times to help strengthen us for the next time of adversity. James 1:2-3.
- Let all You do be Done in Love: Paul in his letter to the Church at Corinth, understood that in the middle of dynamic, diverse, and problematic situations, love is crucial. Without Jesus' kind of sacrificial love for our family, friends, or co-workers, we have not earned the right to share our faith or expect they will be responsive. It is especially easy for too many men to want to lay down the law with rigid guidelines and simply expect that those around us will fall in line. Paul said: and now abide these three, faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:13
I ask myself as a man of God, a few questions as response to these verses:
- Which one(s) of these five areas am I doing pretty well?
- Which one(s) of these five do I need to see improvement?
- To whom can I reach out to get much-needed support?
- What are other ways to position myself for growth and success in these five areas?
