America's Crisis: The Death of Masculinity (Part 2)

Two weeks ago a series was begun on the subject of the death of masculinity within the American society. For several reasons men have ceased to function as real men. Consequently strong, stable leadership is missing in homes, churches, schools and communities. Women are equipped to do many things, quite a few of them better than men; but, they are not generally endowed with the qualities required for authoritative leadership. The salvaging of our nation requires a revival of true masculinity. But, what is true masculinity? That is the subject of this article. There are at least three distinct features of real masculinity:

1. Genuine Maleness - The male gender must be exhibited in the strength of character, mind, emotion, and physical constitution which God intended when He created the man first and distinct from the woman. The way a man carries himself, dresses, and talks should be conspicuously male. Effeminacy represents rebellion against God and indicates unreliable character.

2. Principled Behavior - True manhood embraces right principle with devotion and tenacity. Men must come to terms with what is true and right. Men must devote themselves to truth and righteousness regardless of the cost to them personally. This embrace of principle must begin with a man's relationship with God. He must confront straight up his estrangement from God on account of sin and humbly receive through faith the only reconciliation which God set forth in Christ, by His death and resurrection. Manliness is born out of humility before God and Christ. The man who supposes that he can be manly without being right with God, without being united to Christ, plays the fool. In conjunction with reconciliation to God by humble faith in Christ, true manhood must also submit to the wisdom and perfection of God's standard of truth and righteousness revealed in Scripture. Masculinity involves the determination to do what is right, that means an unhesitating acceptance of responsibility as dictated by God and by legitimate human authority brought in one's life by Providence. God commands that the man: lead his wife and children with tender yet firm authority; be an example of godliness in home, church, and community; provide for the material needs of his family and be able to give to the needy through hard, conscientious labor; be honest and reliable in all his commitments; be assertive and courageous in standing against evil in all its many forms. The true man should not need to be shamed or coerced into fulfilling responsibilities. He should take the initiative in all such matters simply because it is right.

3. Assertive Problem Solving - When problems arise within the sphere of a man's authority and responsibility, he must prayerfully ponder the right course of action, perhaps seeking wise counsel, then he must act. Men hate confrontation. That is good except when it results in burying the head in the sand and refusing to deal with real problems. For instance, an unruly child should be confronted and brought under submission by the father acting with principled assertiveness. The husband should make the hard choices required in order for his wife to stay at home and nurture the children even though there be fewer luxuries and pleasantries.

4. Gentleness Without Compromise of Righteousness - Masculinity must not be confused with gruffness or harshness or boorishness. The Lord Jesus Christ was tender enough to weep over a city of rebels, yet assertive enough to make a whip and drive the irreverent from His Father's house. True men must be both gentle and assertive. Obviously, much more could be said. Yet this provides a sketch of the masculinity which built this nation and which has all but completely died today. May God stir men to deny their fears and their pleasures in order that they might occupy their proper place with dignity and dependability.