The Role of Christian Men – Strengths, Accountability, and Our Duty in the Body of Christ
- Crìsdean Reich
- Dec 4, 2024
- 5 min read
Alright, men (and ladies, you can listen too – this one’s for all of us), let's get into it. Today we’re talking about the role of Christian men, the good, the bad, and the "I didn’t know it was going to be this hard" parts. Seriously, it’s tough being a man in this world. You’re expected to be strong, smart, brave, tough, and then when you try to show any emotion, people act like you’ve just revealed your deepest, darkest secret. But hold up, let’s unpack this.
God has big plans for us, and He’s got some important things to say about how we’re supposed to live as men in His Kingdom. So let’s break it down.
The Strengths of a Christian Man: God Designed You to Be a Beast... in the Best Way
First things first—God designed men with some serious strength. Let’s talk about the physical strength. Yes, we’re talking muscles, brawn, and the ability to carry five grocery bags in one trip to the car. But it’s not just about lifting things (though I know some of us do love showing off that bicep curl at the gym). The strength God gives us goes way beyond what we can bench press.
In Ephesians 6:10, Paul says, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” He’s not talking about your muscles here (sorry, bro). He’s talking about spiritual strength. God gives men the strength to stand firm when things get tough. It’s about having the backbone to stand up for what’s right, especially when it feels like the world’s telling you to sit down and shut up. That’s the kind of strength we need, and that’s what God’s got in mind for us.
The Responsibility of Being a Leader in the Body of Christ
Now, here’s where it gets real interesting. God calls men to lead. Yes, you heard me. Lead. In the church, in our families, in the community, and in society at large. And no, this doesn't mean sitting on a throne and barking orders like some medieval king. This means stepping up and taking responsibility. It’s about being the example. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:3 that, “the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man.”
This is not about being some dictator or "I’m in charge, do what I say" kind of leader. No, no. Leadership in the Christian sense means being the first to serve, to show love, and to stand firm in truth. It’s sacrificial leadership.
Leading doesn’t mean you get to skip out on hard work. It means you’re supposed to step up when things get messy. Ever seen a family crisis? Yep, that’s when it’s time to be a man. Lead with wisdom. Take charge in ways that encourage people around you to be better.
You set the example. The body of Christ (that’s the church, by the way, not the building) looks to men to lead by example in their actions, their speech, and their faith.
The Challenges We Face – It’s Not Easy Being a Man (Seriously)
Alright, let’s be real. It’s tough being a man. In fact, sometimes it feels like the world wants to pile every challenge on your back and say, “Here, carry this.” You’re told to be tough, but not too tough (because apparently, showing emotions makes you a “softy,” which is completely unfair). You’re told to work hard, but also to be the “fun guy” at home. You’re told to have wisdom, but also to “stop overthinking everything” (ladies, I see you—no need to add any more pressure).
Let’s not even start on the pressure to provide. When you’re thinking about how you’re going to pay bills, support your family, and maybe still find time to watch the game on Sunday (if you’re lucky), that’s when it hits you: it’s not easy being a man. But here’s the thing: God knows that. He created you to be strong, not perfect. He knows there will be times when you’ll be exhausted, when you’ll be stressed out, and when you’ll want to throw in the towel. But that’s exactly why He gives you the strength to persevere.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul reminds us, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” In other words, God knows it’s hard, but He’s equipped you with everything you need to get through it.
Emotional Intelligence – Yes, Men Have It, and Yes, God Gave It to Us
Here’s a fun fact for you: men have emotions. I know, shocking. But in all seriousness, we often get the “tough guy” label and assume that means no tears, no feelings, no “sensitive stuff.” But that’s not the case at all. God designed men to be emotionally intelligent.
What does that mean? It means having the ability to understand and manage your own emotions and respond empathetically to others. This is huge in leadership. Emotional intelligence helps you navigate relationships, handle conflicts, and show compassion, all while staying grounded in the Lord.
In James 1:19, it says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” That’s emotional intelligence right there! Knowing when to keep your mouth shut and when to listen—especially when things are tense.
The Accountability Factor: Why God Designed Men to Be Leaders
Now, let’s talk about accountability. This part’s tricky because sometimes we like to think we can handle everything on our own. We say things like, “I’ve got this, I don’t need help.” But newsflash—we do need help. And not just any help—we need to be accountable to God and to others. It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of life and forget that we’re called to be leaders, and with leadership comes responsibility.
In Hebrews 13:17, it says, “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as those who must give an account.” This goes beyond church leadership. God calls all men to be accountable—to Him first and foremost, but also to each other. Men, we need to have people in our lives who will hold us accountable, challenge us, and encourage us when we’re slipping.
Conclusion: Stepping Up in God’s Kingdom
Alright, men, here's the bottom line: God has called you to be strong, to lead, and to be accountable. Yes, it’s tough. Yes, the world can throw some heavy stuff at you. But God’s got you. You have been equipped to handle what comes your way. You have the emotional intelligence to lead with compassion and the strength to overcome whatever challenges you face. And, most importantly, you have the incredible privilege of leading in the Body of Christ, which means stepping up and living out your faith with confidence.
So, men, let’s step up, take responsibility, and embrace the calling God has for us. And remember: it’s not easy being a man, but it’s worth it when we do it God’s way. So go out there and be the leaders God has created you to be!
Amen!
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