A manly man is not a macho man, or a man who thinks he has it all together or who thinks has has mastered his environment. A manly man is not a dominant or domineering man. A manly man is not someone who likes sports or wrestling or who can fix all his problems. A manly man is a man who takes the lead in gladly and sacrificially assuming responsibility to protect and serve others. He is willing to work patiently on things he doesn’t understand and cannot single handedly fix (things that don’t make him feel manly). A manly man is not afraid to be vulnerable in intimate relationships. He can be vulnerable because his identity and righteousness is in Christ. He can fight for truth and righteousness and defend the helpless and even lose his life doing it because He knows heaven awaits. A manly man is not afraid of his faults and weaknesses being exposed because He has Christ’s righteousness. He is not afraid of fighting his sin ruthlessly because he has the Spirit within him. He is not soft with his sin. A manly man never compromises what is true for the sake of maintaining a relationship. A manly man is humble and therefore bold when it comes to standing for truth and righteousness. But he loves his enemies and opposes their sin both for their sake and the sake of others. Manly men are neither effeminate (not taking the lead to protect and provide) nor are they authoritarian (subjugating others for personal gain). Manly men take up their crosses and boldly lay down their love from love to Christ and love for others.
Tom Hicks
