God's Design for MenSample

Selfless Men

Across the Internet, there are extremely popular men (non-Christian) with massive online platforms who have become famous for their “straight talk” about masculinity, emphasizing a version of manhood that includes taking what you want, subjugating women, doing what’s best for you, and climbing the ladder of life.

In this view of masculinity, strength is used to dominate, take, maneuver, and better oneself for one's own sake.

But today’s verse paints a picture of a man who is “armed with strength,” not for his own sake but to stand strong and fight with his brothers for the sake of others. Soldiers in ancient Israel were called to war for the sake of the land and their loved ones, whom they were protecting.

Men’s strength is not to serve themselves; that would be purely selfish. Men’s strength was meant to serve others, making them purely selfless.

Jesus, the perfect Man, had more strength than any other man who ever lived, being Almighty God Himself, but did not consider using that power for His own gain. Instead, He took on the nature of a servant, dying for the sins of the world and spending His strength and very life for the sake of others (Philippians 2:1-11). Nothing was ever about Him; He lived to glorify the Father and serve and save the world.

Men are at their best when they use whatever strength, power, talent, and resources God has given them to bless and serve other people. The mark of masculine maturity is not what a man takes but what he gives away; not how he dominates but how he humbles himself. The Lord’s men use strength in service, not selfishness.

God’s design for men is that we relish in the strength He has given us—physical strength, moral strength, mental strength, or however that strength may manifest—and then use that great strength in selfless service. God’s men use what we’ve been given to bless, protect, and care for—and make the world a better place as we do.

Prayer: Father, I know I still have many selfish ways in me. Help me to be more like Your Son, leaving selfishness behind and choosing the selfless way forward. May this be a joyful journey for me as I find the way of Christ. Amen.

Reflection: Go and do one truly selfless act for a stranger today!