5 Biblical Lessons About Being a Man

unsplash.com

What does the Bible say about manhood? We know how the world defines men but how does God define men? Through the story of David in the Bible, we see that obedience to God is one key mark of a man. If a man is true to God’s Word in the way he lives and the way he treats others, he is truly a man. Unfortunately, there are many great men that are falling off course with God. With the growing demands of a fast-paced, materialistic culture, many men seek profit, power and dominance, over faith and a relationship with God. Many of these men have gone as far as separating from their families and letting go of their futures in an effort to be pleasured and profited. The good news? There is Grace with God. Men have the power to overcome these evils by trusting God’s Word and putting God first. Here are five biblical lessons about being a man.

A Man Stands Firm in His Faith

Shutterstock.com

First Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” A real man puts Christ first. He is cognizant of the fact that Jesus is the foundation of his life, including his marriage. He never puts unrealistic expectations on his wife because he is aware of this reminder from Philippians 4:19 which says, “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” A man of God recognizes that the greatest commandment is to wholeheartedly love God first. He also recognizes that his marriage can’t stand without God as a solid foundation. When you make God a top relationship priority, we are better able to supply love to those around us. Men are better able to love their wives, their children and their friends because they know that Jesus first loved us.

A Man Runs Away From Materialistic Culture

Shutterstock.com

We live in a materialistic culture. The need for more money, more toys and more things is a lie the Enemy will tell us to make us fall off course with God. Many great men can easily fall victim to this deception. We think that we’ll be happier and look better to others and to ourselves when we have more things, but the more we run after these things, the more empty we become. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Verse 4 reminds us “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

A Man Doesn’t Judge Himself Based on Worldly Standards

Contrary to popular belief, there is still a great amount of pressure for men to “be the man” and to perform so they aren’t viewed as failures within their families, by their friends, by their colleagues and in their homes. Many men who view things through this kind of pressured lens feel like they’re constantly being watched and judged, and fall into a dark space when they think they’re falling short. Many men feel like powerlessness is failure. The truth is, it’s ok to be powerless and vulnerable. At these moments of weakness, the adversary comes in and tries to get men to distance themselves from God. The truth is men should never judge themselves based on worldly standards. First John 2:16-17 reminds us, “For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the Will of God abides forever.”

A Man Knows the Enemy’s Promises Are Empty

Shutterstock.com

The Enemy is the master of deception. He manipulates people and circumstances. Then when we fall, he offers us what we believe is relief. But in all reality he’s just deceiving you again. Many great men fall this way. It could be the slip at the job, financial instability, even the pressures of satisfying partners in their relationships when they believe they’ve fallen short. While some men rise above these circumstances when they fall, many fall into a deeper pit and will begin to seek pleasure to deal with the pain. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the Will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” It is impossible to achieve perfection. Gentlemen, you will stumble along the way, but the true emphasis should be on your mind in heart.

A Man Cultivates the Affection of God

Shutterstock.com

The first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me” sets the tone for the first four commandments. God is inviting you into a relationship of mutual love and loyalty. That’s what the first commandment is all about. You can’t begin to follow this command until you are persuaded of the love and mercy of God. The first commandment seems like a natural response of gratitude to the Grace of God in Jesus Christ. For men who want to pursue a life of loving loyalty to God, they must first cultivate your affection for Him. This involves thinking about Him, appreciating Him, honoring Him, desiring Him, fearing Him, trusting in Him, hoping in Him, delighting in Him and giving thanks in Him. Your enjoyment of God’s love and the renewing of your love for Him will sustain you and help you to be a better man.

5 Forbidden Foods in the Bible Christians Should Avoid

Health and tradition go hand and hand here. Read next feature >