This weekend I attended a men’s summit, where men from across our city came together to discuss what it looks like to be a man who follows Jesus and also what it means to “act like a man”. 

One thing I learned from the show-up is that men are definitely interested in this topic. For myself, I have wondered what it really looks like to be a man. Growing up in a culture where the definition of manhood is often given to us from a number of sources, I have been wanting to find some clarity.

In studying what it looks like to become a man of God, here is what I have been learning:

“Becoming Men”

• We no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 2:20)

• We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20)

• We are men under authority – God’s authority (James 4:7; Romans 13:1; Matthew 28:18-20)

• We are called to exhibit sacrificial authority (Ephesians 5:25; Mark 10:42-45)

• We become men of faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2; Revelation 2:10)

• We become men of obedience (John 14:15; James 1:22)

• We are called to be (spiritually) strong and courageous (1 Corinthians 16:13; Joshua 1:9; Deuteronomy 31:6)

• We become men of right principles and purity (Psalm 24:3-4; Philippians 4:8)

• We become men of gentleness and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:32)

• We become men of sincere love (Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 1:22)

• We become men who invest in, explore, seek after, pursue their relationship with Jesus (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 3:8-10; Jeremiah 29:13)

• We become men who walk truthfully (Ephesians 4:25; Psalm 15:1-2; 3 John 4)

• We become men who depend on God, not self (Proverbs 3:5-6; John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 1:9)

• We become men who serve God, whether we are slandered or honored (2 Corinthians 6:8-10; Colossians 3:23-24)

• We become men who don’t lack love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Colossians 3:14)

• We become men who take action – rightly and justly (Micah 6:8; James 1:22; Isaiah 1:17)

• We become men who are cheerfully generous (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

• We become men who are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18)

• We become men who are always ready to do good (Galatians 6:9-10; Titus 3:1)

• We become men who are gentle and show true humility to everyone (Titus 3:2; Philippians 2:3-4)

• We become men who put faith into action and are devoted to God (James 2:17; Titus 2:14)

• We become men who keep clear minds and encourage others (1 Peter 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

• We become men who are hospitable (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9; Titus 1:8)

• We become men who live blamelessly (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Titus 1:6-7; Philippians 2:15)

• We become men who are self-controlled (Titus 2:2; Galatians 5:23)

• We become men who live with a clear conscience (Acts 24:16; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:3)

• We become men who are faithful in everything we do (Luke 16:10; 1 Corinthians 4:2)

• We become men who are filled with love from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith (1 Timothy 1:5)

• We become men who revere God (Proverbs 1:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13)

If I look at examples of men “being men” in the Bible, being a man is tied to courage, faithfulness, and obedience to God. I see a willingness to do what is right, even when it costs reputation, relationships, or life itself.

There, I see examples of men willing to step into uncertain and dangerous places in faithful obedience, trusting in God. I see men willing to sacrifice everything for the Good News and for God’s Kingdom.

And so to me, “being a man” seems to be less of how our culture defines masculinity, and more of faithful obedience to following Jesus and being transformed daily into Christ-likeness through the power of the Holy Spirit. While our physical appearance or outward expression of masculinity may differ, our heart direction should align.

I absolutely loved having a space to come together with other men to discuss this topic, and I hope that you have the same opportunity wherever you are.

What are your thoughts? 

-Alex Gerber

If you are curious and would like to read more, I hope you will jump into my “Becoming Men Series” below:

Becoming Men Series