I don’t write often about biblical manhood, but after my study on this subject, I realize that it’s something I need to do more often. This week’s blog has been in my heart for some time now, and I thought I would take the time to share it with you.
In our journey through life, God calls upon men to rise to a higher standard of conduct and spiritual maturity. This charge is eloquently encapsulated in one of my favorite verses in the bible, 1 Corinthians 16:13, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." Drawing inspiration from this verse, the following principles—or what I will call the "7-Ups"—outline a path for men to emulate the robust character and unwavering faith of biblical manhood. The true test of manhood is not found in strength or accomplishments but is the evidence that God is present in his life.
1. Man-Up: Embrace Responsibility
To "Man-Up" is to boldly accept responsibility for your life's decisions and their repercussions. It involves leading by example, particularly in scenarios that test your faith and integrity. Joshua 24:15 exemplifies this when Joshua declares, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." A man of God stands with courage, not because he is never frightened, but because his trust in God is greater than his fear.
In a world filled with shifting values, a Man of God stands firm, upholding Christ's teachings within his family and community. Facing challenges with resilience and faith, a Man of God never shies away from hard truths or difficult decisions. "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it," Nelson Mandela reminds us. A true Man of God acts with courage, guided by conviction and faith.
2. Stand-Up: Advocate for Righteousness
"Stand-Up" involves advocating for truth and justice, following the example of the prophets and apostles who spoke boldly against injustice. Micah 6:8 urges us, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." A man of God stands for what is right, not because it is easy, but because of who he is in Christ.
This call to action is not passive but requires active engagement to correct wrongs and defend those who cannot defend themselves. In doing so, a Man of God becomes a light of God's love and justice in a world desperately needing righteous advocates. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," Martin Luther King Jr. famously declared, urging us to stand firm and vocal in our convictions.
3. Band-Up: Forge Godly Alliances
Christian fellowship, or "Band-Up," underscores the necessity of community in spiritual growth. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 teaches, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." Fellowship among men is the forge where spiritual armor is strengthened, where every encouragement, prayer, and scripture shared fortifies the soul for life’s battles.
In the company of faithful men, we find mutual encouragement, accountability, and spiritual sharpening essential for withstanding the trials and temptations of life. This union and bond fosters a collective strength that can overcome even the greatest challenges. Men's fellowship is a vessel for character, where iron sharpens iron, and one man's strength becomes the backbone for another's growth.
4. Look-Up: Prioritize Spiritual Intimacy
"Look-Up" signifies a commitment to fostering a deep, personal relationship with God through constant prayer, worship, and Bible study. Colossians 3:2 instructs, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This practice not only nurtures our spiritual well-being but also aligns our desires and actions with God’s will, providing clarity and peace in decision-making.
As we cultivate this spiritual intimacy, we draw closer to the heart of God, experiencing His love and guidance more profoundly. "Seek first the kingdom of God," Jesus advised, "and all these things will be given to you as well." Prioritizing our spiritual relationship with God equips us to lead others with wisdom and compassion while looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. A man of God is not defined by his strength but by his surrender to the Almighty; true strength lies in humility before the Lord.
5. Reach-Up: Seek Divine Empowerment
To "Reach-Up" is to continually seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment for life's challenges and opportunities. Acts 1:8 promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Recognizing our limitations prompts us to rely on God’s strength, which surpasses all human capabilities.
This empowerment enables us to fulfill our God-given potential, purpose, and mission, inspiring us to pursue greatness not for our glory but for God's. "God does not choose the qualified; he qualifies the chosen," this saying reminds us that with God’s power, we are equipped for every good work. One of my favorite verses in Scripture is Ephesians 2:10, which states that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Let’s go out there and do it!
6. Lift-Up: Encourage and Support Others
"Lift-Up" focuses on the transformative impact of Christian encouragement and support. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Through acts of kindness and words of hope, we mirror Christ's love and compassion, fostering an environment where spiritual growth can flourish.
By lifting others, we not only lighten their burdens but also enhance our capacity to love and serve as Jesus did. A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success. This quote highlights the profound impact of timely encouragement. When someone faces failure, they are often at their most vulnerable, grappling with doubt and disappointment. In these moments, a simple word of encouragement can serve as a lifeline. It reassures the individual that failure is not the end but a natural part of the journey toward growth and success.
7. Rise-Up: Live with an Eternal Perspective
Finally, "Rise-Up" challenges men to transcend temporal concerns and focus on eternal truths. Colossians 3:1-2 exhorts, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." This perspective motivates us to lead lives that are testimonies of faith, hope, and love, inspiring others toward a heavenly focus.
Living with an eternal perspective shifts our priorities, goals, and interactions toward something greater than ourselves. "To live is Christ and to die is gain," Paul declared, emphasizing that the Christian’s ultimate aim to glorify God in life and death. This perspective inspires us to transcend the mundane and fleeting concerns of the world, focusing instead on eternal values that shape a legacy of faith and service to Christ and others. It calls us to act with love, serve with humility, and lead with integrity, knowing that our true rewards are not of this earth but are stored up in heaven.
Conclusion:
These "7-Ups" of manhood provide a simple roadmap for living a life that is not only fulfilling but also profoundly impactful. As we strive to embody these principles, let us remember that our faith is one of continuous growth and learning. Let us take heart, for our efforts are not in vain. The path to true manhood is paved with the grace of God, and each step forward is a step toward becoming more like Christ. Stand firm, rise up, and let your life be a testament to the transformative power of living as a true Man of God. In the words of Adrian Rogers, “It is not the strength of a man’s body but the strength of his faith that makes him a man of God.”
This blog was inspired by my dad, Fred M Davis Sr., a strong man of God.