Revisiting Masculinity

Not all media, entertainment and peer advice is contrary to Scripture and I believe not all media and entertainment is orchestrated to condition the masses towards self-destruction. A man can engage the culture of the day without compromising the Scriptures if I may add.

With that being said, I find an identity as a key factor in being a Christ-centred, relevant- relevancy not necessarily according to status quo per se- member of society. I found two definitions which I strongly feel give, in this context, a concise but fairly reasonable meaning- without being too shallow or too philosophical- of the word identity. Identity can be defined as the fact of being who or what a person or thing is or can be defined as the condition of being the same with something described or asserted. I shamelessly identify myself as a Christian, hence my definition of healthy masculinity is constructed from that consciousness.

Even though my definition of healthy masculinity isn’t exhaustive, I think it will help us have an idea of what is expected from us by both God and society.

Healthy masculinity, in one sense, is a state that inspires one (1) to see and acknowledge the true value of a woman, (2) to contribute to, and impact society in positive ways (3) and to influence others to become the best they can be.

Allow me to breakdown the definition and unpack it a bit...

Healthy

One way of describing being healthy is that you are in a desirable state. In this particular context, I would say exhibiting healthy behaviour is: acting from a place of progressing from being self-centered and more towards being considerate of others (I'm not advocating self negligence though).

Masculinity

In one way, we can define masculinity as- a set of attributes, behaviours, and roles associated with boys and men.

In one sense

My aim is to construct a definition that is simple yet not vague or empty. This definition might not be exhaustive but I believe it encompasses factors that form an important pillar of what healthy masculinity is. Hence I use the term “in one sense”.

State

We can define a state as a particular mode or condition that someone or something is in at a specific time.

Healthy masculinity is a state to be attained it just doesn’t happen, there needs to be learning, training and constant self-awareness in order for one to reach this state.

Inspires

We can define inspire, for this particular context, as to stimulate to greater or higher activity or to spur on.

I use the word inspires because healthy masculinity will propel someone to act in certain ways, it never leaves one passive or inactive.

To see and acknowledge the true value of a woman

I believe we, as men, can’t fully express the image of God on earth without women. For one to begin a journey of seeing and acknowledging the true value of a woman they must start at the following truths: (1) Women are created in the image of God, (2) both men and women are equal and important in the eyes of God.

I believe such truths lay a foundation that will help us understand the true value of a woman.

To contribute to and impact society in positive ways

I believe contributing to and impacting society in positive ways is part of our calling as men and it can be done in many ways. It definitely includes protecting women and children from any form of harm but it can be as simple as complimenting others on the good they do or giving (whether time or money etc.) to charity.

To influence others to become the best they can be

We as men are in a position to exert much influence, perhaps even more than we think, let us use this position to propel others into journeys of constant self-improvement and journeys that help them reach their God-ordained destiny.

Though my definition and construction of healthy masculinity is very concise and possibly not exhaustive- I find that it has given me more clarity in matters pertaining to purpose and relationships.

I believe males are the ones that ought to initiate this behavior in every space they go into and help sustain it as well.

And I have to confess this wasn’t the initial definition I advocated and ran with, experiences and wise counsel have taught me better and helped me arrive at this particular position. I hope it will be of some sort of help to you. I hope it will have a positive contribution to your unique journey.

Be the man that God has called you to be… Be a pillar of strength in society… Be the light of the world and salt of the earth. Bare much fruit that God may be glorified…

Scripture Reading

*Genesis 1:26-27 *John 15:8 *Matthew 5:13-16 *Mark 9:50 *Matthew 20:28 *Luke 22:25-26

#Manhood