Give Me Some Men

What is masculinity? The last three decades have seen countless magazine articles and books devoted to answering this question. What role does nature and nurture play in what it means to be a man? The president of Harvard University has found himself in the midst of frenetic media attention over a statement he made regarding the possible lack of aptitude of women in math and science. Was he suggesting that the brains of men give them an advantage in math class? The pendulum of persuasion swings back and forth regarding the differences between men and women. At the present time advancements in neurological studies are revealing some interesting things. Men excel at thinking in three dimensions (men love maps, but I think we knew that). Some psychological tests have shown that females are better at reading the emotions of people.

Another dimension to what constitutes masculinity and femininity is found in education. The claim has been made that there is a war against boys (“The War Against Boys” by Christina Hoff Sommers). The contention is that a “misguided feminism is harming our young men.” Boys are competitive, full of energy, and many have a hard time sitting still in class. Put them in a classroom where there are girls and watch some of the differences. The girls sit quietly, pay attention, and do their homework. Educators are concerned by the fact that boys are less committed to school than girls. One survey has shown that by twelfth grade, males are four times as likely as females not to do homework. Many boys have been medicated for “hyperactivity.” In some ways I am not surprised. Recess and out-of-door activities helped keep my generation of males naturally “sedated.” Today I see many young boys getting very little exercise. Computer games, electronic toys, and television have become more interesting than ball games in the yard and adventures in the woods.

But what should really concern us is the need for young men who will step forward as leaders. True masculinity is not merely physiological. Men are to be leaders, protectors, and providers by God’s design. This requires courage, informed risk- taking, strength of character, and sacrifice. If we are going to rear a generation of godly men who know the true meaning of masculinity, we need to follow the biblical paths of wisdom. Boys must grow up in homes where God-honoring masculinity is modeled by dads. Divorce and single parenting are not the pillars of society. If boys are going to learn how to be men, they must have it modeled for them. Much of the gender confusion in our day is directly attributable to broken homes and absent fathers. It has been observed that “hypermasculinity (i.e. “macho posing of aggression, violence, and predatory sex canonized in rap music”) is one indication that boys are not learning how to be men. Another attack on true masculinity is sexual promiscuity. Sex outside of marriage with either a female or a male is a repudiation of true masculinity. A promiscuous male “sexual athlete” is a corruption of God’s design for male sexuality.

Our young men need older men who have a proven record as moral leaders and faithful providers. Future fathers must grow up with men around them who are loyal to their wives and know how to take responsibility for children. Younger men need to see single men who take their celibacy seriously by seeing it as a means of serving God in extraordinary ways (1 Cor. 7:32). The husbands of tomorrow should have as their heroes husbands who cherish their wives by protecting them, providing for them, and laying down their lives for them. Do we want to see our boys grow up to be men in the truest sense? Then we must give them an example. Yes, of course, boys need their mothers. The identity of true femininity plays an integral role in male social development. But boys are forged into real men by knowing what it means to provide moral and spiritual leadership in the home, by abstaining from sexual relations before marriage, by taking financial responsibility for their wives and children, and by seeking to please God in all things.

The words of an old song serve us well. “Give me some men who are stouthearted men, who will fight for the right they adore. Start me with ten who are stouthearted men and I’ll soon give you ten thousand more.” Christ’s men are men after God’s own heart. They want what God wants and will settle for nothing less. They have a ravenous appetite for righteousness. They rise up early in the morning and meet with their God. They lead their family in worship. They are unashamed of the gospel of Christ. They will stand up for justice. They will show mercy. They will tell the truth. They will stand against evil. Give me some men who are stouthearted men for the glory of God.

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church