Masculinity in modernity is a hotly debated topic. Some say manhood is defined by biology, others will say it is a choice, and there are those who say manhood is defined by specific criteria. I am of the latter camp. What exactly is the criteria that makes a man? Does the definition hinge on cultural context? What about historical timelines? How can we know, free of doubt, how to define this for future generations of boys that clearly maps out their path to manhood?

On the small south pacific island of Vanuatu, boys become men when they dive from a 100 foot constructed tower and live to celebrate the feat. In ancient Sparta, boys moved to manhood after completing the grueling training to become soldiers. This training culminated in a barbaric rite of passage called krypteia. To complete this the Spartan boy would go to the country side armed only with a knife. His objective? To kill as many slaves as possible while avoiding any detection and returning to the training school unscathed. In the United States manhood is not marked by any singular ritual or rite of passage. Ask Americans what is the defining moment marking manhood and you will receive varying answers. Some say when a boy begins to work and pay his own way, he is a man. Others may hold that a boy is a man when he marries and produces children or when he achieves financial and social success. More ridiculously, the only qualifier is simply “identifying” as such. The point I am attempting to communicate is simple; culture, historical context, or geographical location is unable to offer a one size fits all definition of manhood. Moreover, it is unsettling that any culture would define manhood by death defying stunts, mass murder, or convoluted criteria based solely on opinion or delusional preferences. Why all the confusion? As Romans 3:10-11 puts it, “As it is written, There is none righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, There is none who seeks for God.”

The world is bent toward everything that is not of God. In fact, the world, with great effort intentionally seeks that which is wicked and unrighteous. This inclination naturally results in mass confusion. The world is not able to provide the true definition of manhood because the world did not create man, God did! Fortunately for us, God also left a clear set of criteria for created man to achieve true masculinity and this is discoverable in His word. Early in the book of Genesis, chapter 1 verse 26, ” Then God said, Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, so that they will have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle of the earth and over every other creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Man was created to cultivate, care for, and have dominion over God’s creation. ! Corinthians 16:13-14,” Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” Men are to be strong and steadfast while doing all they do out of love. Ephesians 5:25, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” Men are to love their wives sacrificially. Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child according to his way, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Men must take an active role in raising their children. The examples and instruction for men contained in God’s word would take years to unpack in its entirety, this is but a taste. Never the less, the argument I am presenting is that society is not worthy enough or fit in any way to define manhood and what true success is.

Concluding Thoughts

Reality is this; Biblical manhood is the exact opposite of worldly manhood. God’s standard for manhood is faithfulness, gentleness, strength, steadfastness, and stewardship. A true man of God is a force to be reckoned with. He is a man who stands firm in the face of opposition. He cares for those God has placed under his care with fierce protection and a firm but gentle hand. He lends voice to the voiceless and fights back against injustice, He works to provide well and takes part in his community to glorify God in all that he does. He is a servant at heart. The reason any man is able to live out this model is because it was modeled for him by the greatest example possible, Jesus the Christ. Jesus is all of these things and we seek to glorify Him as we seek to walk in His likeness. Our ability is feeble in this pursuit, we must rely on the strength Jesus provides. Remember men, do not let the world with all of its twisted thinking and unrighteous deeds define how you are to live as men. Look to the truth of God’s word. Always love well, love often and serve the Lord with all you have.