The World Needs Men

You probably heard this quote before: "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times."

I think we can make the case that in the good and hard times, we need strong men. We need strong men in hard times because they will stand for what's good and right, no matter what, and they will fight to establish it. And we also need the strong in the good times to protect it. We cannot take goodness for granted; goodness is something we need to fight every day to maintain, and it requires men to have a different strength. To keep things good, we need men who are willing to take the uncomfortable position of being watchful and diligent to act quickly in the face of threats. 

Now, our lives are composed of multiple spheres. We have our private inner life, family life, and church life, and we're also integrated into the wider society. All these spheres overlap, but they are also self-contained in a certain sense. We are to be diligent in establishing and keeping goodness in all spheres, remembering we have to care for all of them.

Now, the calling to men to be strong and courageous, to act like men, is all over the Bible. It's unpopular today, but men have a crucial role to play in all these areas, providing not just financial support but also leadership, guidance, and protection, among other things. We are to be the initiator in creating good times and leaders in the sustaining and protection of it from decline.

It is important to mention also that "goodness" for us Christians is not a subjective concept, but we are on the battlefront for the advancement of the kingdom of God - the kingdom of goodness. Men are to be those who lead with the power and authority of the Word of God, displaying the character of Christ and shedding the light of the Gospel in all dark spots of all these spheres of life. 

Families need strong and godly men. Churches need strong and godly men. Society - might not know or accept it - but it needs strong and godly men.

"Stand true to your calling to be a man. Real women will always be relieved and grateful when men are willing to be men" - Elizabeth Elliot.

Nino Marques