It is tough being a man in our world today—especially in a culture that is not sure what manhood even means. There are so many differing opinions, definitions, and expectations of what a man should be like. The weight is heavy, and the responsibility is immense.
However, as men, we were created and designed by God to handle what comes our way. We have it within us to handle the pressure, face the obstacles, and overcome every challenge that stands before us.
We were designed by God to be men. We must not relinquish the role given to us. Martin Luther King said, "don't let anyone take your manhood."
Why is that? Because men are necessary.
When men rise up and take their place that God has ordained for them, this world is better off. When men relinquish their role and take a step back, all of society is negatively impacted. We, as men, have a duty to be who God has called us to be. Duty is the simple act of doing what you must even though people would understand if you didn't.
Men of duty don't do what they do for the applause of others; they do it because they must. Not because they have to, but because it is the right thing to do.
So, what does God expect from us as men? Why did He create men and women to be different? What role is a man to play within family, society, and especially in God's kingdom?
No matter how young or old you are, there are basic principles that apply to all men. The older is to mentor the younger. The younger is to learn from the older.
Let us briefly look at five expectations to ensure the next generation is better off because we were here.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Ridofranz
1. Men Establish Values That Will Make a Lasting Impact
The only difference between any two people in life is what they value. Values are the internal guide that leads us toward either a destructive or a promising future. The values we establish as men are vital to who we are and what we accomplish.
Every decision we make stems from a value we hold dear to our hearts.
When you look at the men you admire throughout history, you will see they established values that were respected, and that made a lasting impact long after they were gone. Establishing values requires time, sacrifice, cost, and commitment.
Its valuing right over wrong, truth over error, and love over hate. What values are you establishing for yourself, for your family, and the next generation? Are you willing to pay the price to hold on to what you value? Are you ready to stand fast when your values are criticized, challenged, and even laughed at?
That is what a man does. He establishes values that will make an impact for generations to come. Values that He will not compromise. Values that others can respect and follow. Values that pass the test of time.
As men, we must establish the value system of the society in which we live, whether it be at home or outside the home.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages
2. Men Cast Vision for a Better Tomorrow
Our role is not to complain about what today has brought or yesterday's disappointments. Regardless of what we see and what is before us, we are to cast a vision for a better tomorrow.
Vision is simply a picture of the future that produces excitement and passion in those who embrace it—a vision for something more significant than ourselves. We are to cast a vision of what tomorrow holds. A hopeful vision that can be seen in the imagination of others.
I think about Martin Luther King Jr., who had a vision of a united America. I think about Thomas Jefferson, who was the author of the Declaration of Independence. I think of Winston Churchill, who had the vision to see victory when others could not. I think about Nelson Mandela, who had the vision of a better South Africa.
In each of those cases, the vision required belief because where there is no belief, there is no lasting vision. Vision requires someone to believe in it. As men, we are to set the example. We are to believe what God has shown us. We are to believe that all things are possible with God on our side. I am reminded of Nehemiah who was given a vision of rebuilding the walls, but it required him to believe in that vision.
Every dream was fulfilled because someone chose to believe.
Every idea will only reach the world if someone chooses to believe.
Every achievement is birthed from someone who believes in what they were doing.
As men, we are to look forward to the future continually. We must consistently move toward a better tomorrow even though a better tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Casting vision is often much harder than retreating into a place of comfort, living only “for today,” or “day by day.” The vision in a man's heart will always set its sights on a brighter tomorrow. A future worth fighting for. So take time to hear from God and cast a vision that will inspire, excite, and motivate people to action.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Design Pics
3. Men Remain Steadfast, Refusing to Quit or Give In
As men, we are to be resilient. Resilience is the refusal to fail, along with the ability to bounce back when you do. It is the commitment to keep believing when there is little hope. Remaining steadfast is never easy—but is always worth it.
What is easy is to fail.
What is easy is to stay down.
What is easy is to stop believing in your dream.
Remaining steadfast is rare. However, I can hear God whispering to every man reading this—"Son, you have what it takes. By My grace, get back up! With Me on your side, you are stronger than you realize."
When the odds are stacked against us, real men refuse to throw in the towel. We refuse to give up. We push through, we press on, and we stand firm through the challenging moments of life. Whatever it is we want from life, we must fight for it. Values, vision, and legacy all require our steadfastness.
Sometimes the easier way seems likes the best option, but if I can encourage you today, let me remind you that there is a fighter within you. When you are ready to quit or give up, receive God's grace to stand and refuse to throw in the towel. This is why Paul called it the "Good fight of faith..."
We fight with God's strength knowing: if He is for me who can be against me (Romans 8:31). So men, stand fast—and watch the deliverance of the Lord.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/fizkes
4. Men Lead with Courage
Men are created to be courageous. Courage is the act of doing something you know is right to do, regardless of the fear, cost, or outcome. We have all been there before—terrified, not knowing if we have what it takes to lead. Courage is something I have learned a lot about over the past few years. Courage appears daunting, but it requires one initial step—the first one.
Often the most difficult step to take is the first one.
Courage is a must if you are going to fulfill God's will. Being courageous does not mean there is not fear; it is acting despite fear. I’m not sure about you, but I have this amazing ability to talk myself out of many things that I know I need to do...simply because I am fearful. But every time I have acted in courage, I am always glad I did.
When we allow courage to guide us, it causes us to believe we can do what God has called us to do.
What are you afraid of? What has God instructed you to do that you have put off? When will you take the first step?
Isn't it time we led with courage rather than retreat in fear?
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages
5. Men Live to Leave a Legacy
Men live to leave a legacy. Jesus modeled this for us all. Legacy is the impact we leave in others as a result of them knowing us. The older I get, the more convinced I am that there is no greater gift you can give another than what you deposit in them.
Legacy is not what you do for another, but the impact you make in another. As a father, as a husband, and as a leader, I want to leave a legacy. But where do we begin? How do we give the gift of impacting others as a result of them knowing us? Here are a few closing suggestions:
- Be the best version of you, and help your loved ones be their best as well.
- Care genuinely for the people you love, know, and meet; and serve others selflessly.
- Demonstrate great patience—legacy happens over time, not instantly.
- Ask God daily to give you the power to love deeply, the grace to live freely, and the strength to ask forgiveness, make amends, and forgive always.
Remember, what God expects from you He has placed within you. Don’t grow disheartened. You are born for such a time as this.
You are God’s son—called to be a man who impacts a generation.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/arieliona
Originally published Thursday, 10 September 2020.
