Act Like a Manনমুনা

Manhood Must Be Defined, But Who Defines It?

"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” — Genesis 1:26

Maybe you’re the unicorn of guys. You feel good about where you are, but you want to keep growing. Some guys wonder, “What am I missing?” “What should be my top priorities?” or “How can I live without regrets?” Keep asking and searching for tips—from spiritual questions to marriage/relationship challenges, work-life struggles, and dealing with kids. Then, some guys are struggling and restless. You’re wondering, “Is this all there is?”

If you ask me, and you kind of are since you’re reading this, when you feel restless, it’s usually a good thing. Maybe you sense a new direction. Lean in; your next move is key. Many men find they’re either guessing at manhood or grabbing the latest version from the world. Both options lead to problems and pain.

Why does manhood need to be defined? Because it’s hard to become what you can’t define. In the last 20 years, deaths of despair (from suicide, overdoses, or drinking enough alcohol that your body shuts down) have skyrocketed. The world shouts what a man should be, but it lies.

God created man, so He decides on the definition. In Genesis 1-2, God called Adam, the first man, to practice four life-giving responsibilities. These four things not only defined Adam’s manhood but the manhood of every man. No pressure, Adam. God calls you to the same responsibilities. We call them the 4-W’s. If you’re intentional about these four things, you’ll become a better man, one who:

1. Courageously follows God’s Word.
2. Loves and protects God's woman.
3. Excels at God’s work.
4. Improves God’s world.

We’ll dig deeper into these four responsibilities in the coming days.

How has your definition of manhood been shaped by the world? By God?