Published Saturday, June 12, 2010

Christian masculinity

By DANIEL AUSBUN

First Baptist Church, Moreland - daniel@fbcmoreland.org

Next weekend is Father's Day.

What is a "real man?" I know men who believe church and Jesus is for women and children. What we determine as "manly" affects our attitudes, our character, and our interaction with others. A "real man" is more than being macho, driving a truck, avoiding pink shirts, drinking beer and owning guns.

Masculinity has declined because men have lost touch with God and His Word. Sin kills neighbor-love and our own identity. At the deepest level, we do not know who or what we are, or what we exist for. The first step to regaining a true understanding of masculinity is to acknowledge that man's wisdom is misleading. Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."Men must not follow the way that seems right to them or to society.

There are five biblical qualities defining Christian masculinity.

First, men were created in God's image (Genesis 1:27). This means we find our identity in God. We have an eternal soul that only finds fulfillment and happiness in God alone. If you're saved, you are a spiritual alien in this world -- you are to exalt Christ because you were created in His image. Mid-life crisis', workaholics and sports all lead to a false identity.

You were made for God.

Second, men were created to worship (John 4:23). Because men have a soul, we are "religious" beings. We will worship something. It will be work, sports, sex, accomplishments, money, family, yourself, another person, success, false gods or Jesus Christ. Even though you were given a soul to worship Christ, your depravity -- sinfulness -- will pull you in other directions.

Until you bow your knee to Christ, you haven't become the person God made you.

Third, since Adam's sin, you have been a sinner by nature (Romans 3:12). Man was created with the ability to rationally choose. Adam chose against God (Genesis 3:6) and because of his sin at our very core we have an innate wrongness with us that will remain until we reach heaven.

This is important because it is manly to admit when you're wrong in your actions and thinking instead of trying to deny or hide it. You don't want to be known as a mule, arrogant, prideful, full-of-himself, or a know-it-all. Healing and restoration begins with, "It's my fault, I'm sorry."

Fourth, men are in need of a Savior (John 3:16). Men love to protect and rescue others, particularly women and children. We must realize that we need to be rescued and protected, too.

Admitting your helplessness and need of salvation is a humbling experience for a courageous man. You must be rescued from Satan and the ensuing judgment for your sin by bowing your knee to Jesus Christ as the only Lord and Savior of your life. You need God's strength, guidance, and wisdom.

God will allow you to hit rock-bottom. Then you realize you can't save or even help yourself. If your life is slipping or free-falling, only Jesus Christ can lift you up.

Fifth, men were created different from women (Genesis 1:27). This is deeper than the classic book, "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus." We are to be different, and function different than women. Men have special responsibilities given only to them. Men are to be the spiritual leaders in their homes, deacons and elders in their churches, and are to train and instruct their children (Ephesians 6:4).

Masculinity is a matter of the mind and the heart. Someone who's tough at the gym, but a wimp at home is not a "real man." The difference between Uncle Sam and Jesus Christ is that Uncle Sam won't enlist you in his service unless you are healthy and Jesus Christ won't enlist you unless you are sick.

This Father's Day week, you want to become a man who relies upon Jesus to make you into a "real man."