What is a man...a godly Man?

 

“Men are not born masculine, they need to learn it. Specifically, they learn it by examining the Scriptures, looking to the example of Jesus Christ and following the examples of other men.”  Randy Smith

 

  There’s been an ongoing cultural debate on “What is a woman?” Yet, a more vital question for the Church is: What is a godly man?
  One of most maligned positions today is that of a man. Too often the Church hasn’t helped. We’ve settled for mediocrity and failed to encourage men to be mature, godly examples. The outcome is what Dale Partridge describes as a “surplus of boys with beards.” We’ve accepted extended adolescence, machismo for maturity and a rationalization that addiction is normal whether it’s sports, video games, substance abuse or porn.
  In a culture lacking clarity and sanity about manhood, this is where God’s Word becomes our lifeline. The Bible is filled with examples of men of character. None were perfect but they were committed to a godly direction.
  The best example of biblical masculinity is Jesus Christ. What does a real man look like? Who should be our model for healthy manhood? The answer is the Lord Jesus. The Christ of the Bible is the perfect representation of true masculinity. Our world needs men who not only live by Christ’s teachings, but imitate the example of how He lived His life. That example can transform us individually, and our society as a whole!
  Godly men prepare themselves for manhood in their youth. Though the Bible provides few details about the childhood of Jesus, we do have enough details to know that the young Jesus was focused on His education and preparation for adulthood. Luke records, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). That didn’t just happen. A young Jesus studied and applied Himself. We see an example of this when He stayed behind in Jerusalem after Passover. His parents found Him “in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46). Christ’s example for young men is to take preparation for adulthood seriously in your youth. Don’t fritter away your early years by playing video games or watching movies. Be focused on your future and preparation needed to achieve your goals.
  Godly men work. Christ’s life was an example of work and productivity. In His adult life He had two primary occupations—carpenter and teacher. His young adult years were spent working in the carpentry profession, learning the profession from Joseph (His stepfather) and probably working in a family business with His physical brothers. After about the age of 30, Jesus transitioned into a teacher and spent the rest of His physical life traveling across the area preaching, teaching, healing, training His disciples and working with individuals one-on-one. Jesus’ life was so active and productive that there wasn’t room in the Gospels to record all He did (John 21:25)! His example for men today is a strong work ethic. Godly men don’t linger in a childhood immaturity focused on entertainment, inactivity and laziness—they grow up and work. They work to support themselves (and eventually their families) and have a drive to be creative and productive.
  Godly men respect women. Jesus Christ lived in a society that had little regard for women. He stood out as a Man who treated women with honor and respect. He spoke to women publicly, even when it was taboo to do so in the culture of His day. He highlighted women’s actions as lessons for others to follow. Jesus showed concern for women who were suffering. He honored and respected His mother even when He was suffering and dying.
  A man living out biblical masculinity doesn’t use degrading language to describe women. His example for men today is to respect all women and treat them with honor. Many men—influenced by music, pornography and movies—view women as sex objects. Using derogatory words for women is common in contemporary music, media, and in some male-only conversations. Godly men have nothing to do with this but are committed instead to treating women as Imago Dei with dignity, honor and respect.
  Godly men love and care for children. Though Jesus had a busy schedule, He didn’t consider anyone a waste of His time—especially children! Parents brought children to Jesus for Him to bless. These parents knew that He loved children and would set aside time for them. In fact, Jesus rebuked those who interfered with that time! He frequently healed children of ailments and interacted with children with love and gentleness.
  Christ’s example for men today is not to ignore children, but to pay attention to them and protect them. A godly man doesn’t lustfully impregnate women only to abandon them to care for children alone. He chooses one woman to love and marry and then brings children into that solid, loving, committed family relationship.
  Godly men control themselves. Jesus Christ experienced temptations to sin just like we do, but resisted every time. He never sinned. Hebrews tells us that He “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). He never allowed desire and lust to conceive in His mind (James 1:15). He resisted and denied sinful thoughts. Our Lord was Spirit-controlled and governed Himself by a moral code based on God’s Word and never deviated from it. He exercised perfect self-control, a fruit of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:23). His example for men today shows that they shouldn’t be driven by urges, what feels good or is convenient. This world needs men who govern themselves by the same biblical truth Jesus had.
  Jesus is the perfect example of balanced and biblical masculinity. Everything written about Him in the New Testament is a model for men. Countless practical points can be derived from His life and teachings. For  biblical masculinity to be restored, Christian men must model their lives after His perfect example. Jesus Christ demonstrated the perfect balance of masculine strength with gentleness and care. He was a leader and also a servant. He was incredibly bold and also caringly gentle. He worked hard, loved all people and never deviated from His mission.
  Jesus Christ is the example we must strive to follow. He is the model of masculinity that Christian men need to pattern their lives after.

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