Whats Masculinity?

MASCULINITY, the word in bold font stands out to us men, us hard headed men, who are equipped with the strength and knowledge to battle whatever/whoever we face.(sarcasm) Men take pride in their masculine nature, eager to prove ourselves we will face whatever challenge stands in our way.... Until we fail. Until we realize that our masculinity is not enough. Until we realize that at the end of the day no amount of strength, or knowledge will fix our insecurities. Until we realize that even in obtaining the worlds "masculine manly man" badge of honor we are still broken cowards with a heart longing for something greater.

I know this because I lived most of my life believing that a true man, looks like the man in the left picture above. I believed that the ideal man would physically resemble strength, courage, and boldness. That his external qualities would be a direct reflection of his internal character traits. "Boy was I wrong". I discovered that physical appearance has nothing to do with the character of a man.  In fact, I realized that I was looking at all the wrong things trying to obtain a clear depiction of the masculine nature. The Truth is masculinity is defined not by human knowledge or societies standards but HAS been defined by God through Jesus.

The other day I was talking to a close friend about our dreams and aspirations. The conversation moved quickly when we started talking about the Men that we wanted be. We shared with each other all the qualities and virtues that we longed to have built into our character. It was during that conversation that my friend and I really grasped the truth that we follow a God who embodies the perfect nature of man. Jesus is the one man who gives the world a glimpse of true masculinity.

The Character of Jesus embodies the Nature of God. As a man I can now see how to truly be masculine by looking at the life of Jesus. I can see how he cared for, spoke, dealt with, challenged and loved people. All for the glory of God. What makes men truly masculine is when we fearlessly live, in love for the Glory of God. Just as Jesus did.

1 Kings 2:2-4

“I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’