When you read this Scripture, what comes to mind?  Maybe there is somewhere you've seen that embodied well. You might have wondered what this even looks like. Or do you wrestle with an unhealthy example you once had of masculinity that distorted your view of what a man should be?

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Let's acknowledge that it can be challenging to live out biblical manhood. There are plenty of voices around us every day, each with their own view of what a man should be. Some, out of a place of hurt, confusion, or what they've been taught, may think that being a man is a bad thing. Others might say that men need to be tough, showing no semblance of vulnerability or emotion. There are even perspectives out there that think being a man is superior. Spoiler alert, none of these are healthy.

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But God, the One who designed every man and woman, has something better in mind. And anything short of that is rejection of his best for us and for those around us. It’s no wonder that manliness, measured by any worldly standard, comes up short, because it’s often inconsistent with what we were meant for.

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So, as we dig deeper into today's Scripture, let’s look at some really simple, yet crucial aspects of being a godly man. What does it look like for you to be “watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, and be strong”? How do we know if the examples around us are good? There is actually a really simple answer:  We can take a look at how Jesus lives these things out. The Bible  reveals how Jesus was alert, he was attentive, and he was ready.  

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Jesus stood firm, not for the sake of being stubborn, but to adhere to the truth he knew and to his purpose. Now, that may seem like a tall order, to stand firm and be strong. But really, it’s not our own strength that we are relying on. It’s the strength of the Living God who is alive inside of us. If we submit fully to God, if he is our source, that will never run dry.  

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We don’t have to figure out the right “formula” to be the men we are called to be. Instead, we can walk in who God has already created us to be. Every believer has the Holy Spirit to lead us, guide us, and help us.  

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As verse 14 of today’s passage says, everything that Jesus did, does, and will do is in love, and the same can be true for us. It doesn’t say try to do things in love whenever possible or if it feels right. It says, "Let all that you do,” without exception. So, let's take a step forward together today.

If you aren’t already in community with other Godly men, where you can encourage each other to step into all that God has designed you for, to have real conversations with one another, and to be authentic, sign up for a group today. You were not meant to go through life alone.

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Maybe you need to invite a guy along who needs to see what it looks like to follow Jesus. I bet there is someone in your life right now that needs your discipleship.

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For the women reading this, would you pray for the men around you today? This isn’t just a throw-away ask – do you believe that the prayers you offer on behalf of the men in your life truly matter? James 5:16 says that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” With this in mind, ask God to grow the men in your life in a new and real way this week, trusting that God is moving in response to your request.