Authentic Manhoodنموونە

Being Men of Authenticity

These days, we hear a lot of statements about manhood.

“You’re the man.”

“Man up.”

“Be a man’s man.”

It can be hard to be a “man’s man” in today’s world.

When I think of a “manly” man, I think of certain stereotypes. He’s tall. Got a full head of silky black hair and a cool beard. He’s obviously wearing flannel, jeans, and boots as he walks through the bush with an ax in one hand and dragging supper for the family in the other. His house is a log cabin that he built himself on a mountainside plateau. His movements are smooth as he glides in slow motion in everything he does. And he has the coolest dog ever—a big one that lays at his feet while he feasts on his latest meat slab in front of the fireplace.

Basically, he’s everything that I’m not.

I’m short. Losing my hair. My beard is trimmed and graying. I have some flannel but have never dragged supper out of the bush. The closest I’ve been to building a house is a backyard project for a pet (thankfully, it’s still standing). And my dog is anything but big, sleeps most of the day, and is everything that’s the opposite of intimidating.

So, how does a guy like me figure out what it means to live authentically as a man?

Well, Scripture has a lot to say about this topic. This week, we will look at five stereotypes of men—the Carpenter, the Bullfighter, the Builder, the Firefighter, and the Wrestler—and dig into this thing called “manhood.”

So grab your coffee, sit in your man cave, and let’s look at what it means when God calls us to authentic manhood.

Prayer: Jesus, You have called me to be a man in this world. Help me look deeper into Your Word this week and see more of how You define “manhood.” Amen.

Reflection: Think about what stereotypes or definitions you have about manhood and ask yourself where you got those from. Read Ruth chapter 2, and notice how Scripture describes Boaz as a man of standing, asking yourself how those descriptions and characteristics fit into your definition of manhood.