Today we come to the last post in this series on biblical manhood and what I believe is some of the most practical wisdom I can give you as you seek to become the man God intends you to be.
Before we discuss men relationally, let’s do a quick review of what we have learned so far:
- A man PHYSICALLY is an adult male made in the image of God.
- A man SPIRITUALLY is a sinner in need of salvation which is fully available to him through faith in Christ.
- A man SEXUALLY is uniquely made to either live a life of singleness and celibacy or commit his life to one woman in covenant marriage.
- A man PATERNALLY is uniquely designed to lead, provide, and protect as a father.
- A man MISSIONALLY in Christ is expected and equipped to strengthen the church and make the gospel known.
And then the last point:
A man RELATIONALLY is to encourage and hold accountable other men and protect the vulnerable.
Men need other men in their lives. We are to encourage one another and check one another. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Sharp-edged blades that are truly effective and useful do not come without some grinding. I praise God for men who have lovingly put their hand on my shoulder and encouraged me, but I also praise God for men who have grabbed me, pulled me close, and said, “You’re wrong. You need to rethink what you’re doing and the direction you’re going.” Women cannot do this for us like another man can. Nothing will deflate a husband quite like his wife trying to assume the role of holding him accountable to be a man. Only a brother in Christ can do that to the fullness of what God requires.
Scripture also speaks into how men should relate with others and be protectors of the vulnerable. In Second Timothy 2:2, the Apostle Paul instructs, “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” Teach other men what? Teach them the Word of God. One passage we can encourage one another with is 1 Timothy 5:1-2: “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.” There is no room for toxic masculinity in your life when you respect older men, love your peers as brothers, and honor and respect all women in your life as mothers and sisters.
These are the kind of men the church needs. Give me men who will pour their lives into other men in this way, and I promise you, the wake of righteousness will be far-reaching. So, how do we become men like this? Let me give you five practical ways you can start living a life that honors God.
Be with your Savior. Start each morning with your Bible and your heart open.
Be with one or a few brothers. You cannot do this alone. You need a brotherhood of faithful believers in your life. Men who will meet with you, pray for you and hold you accountable.
Have zero secrets. That means no porn, no filthy language, no shady relationships, no dishonesty of any kind. Anything currently in your life that is contrary to the Word of God, God can forgive. But you have to deal with it. Go to a brother and ask for help as you repent, turn, and set up boundaries.
If you are married, chase your wife and children. A man doesn’t have time to chase someone else’s wife if he’ll chase his wife and children. Pursue their hearts. Invest in your family.
And finally, think about, pray about, and speak about the gospel. Dwell on the gospel, which is the greatest gift we have. Let it impact every area of your life.
Can you even imagine the impact in our homes, our churches, and our workplaces if men committed to these five decisions? May we be found faithful, men.