Bible Passage: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:19
There is no shortage of opinions about what real men do or don’t do.
“Real men lead.”
“Real men love their wives well.”
“Real men don’t cry.”
“Real men work with their hands.”
“Real men show no weakness.”
“Real men are good dads.”
Whatever your personal view of what makes a “real man,” there will be someone out there telling you that your view is wrong and their view is right.
And if too many of our ideas about manhood aren’t things we’re living out, shame is often a close companion. We feel the shame of not measuring up to whatever picture of masculinity we’re trying to hold to.
But of course, here at Impactus, we would say that real Christian men don’t look to culture or their own opinions to define what a man is—they look to the Scriptures, and they look to Jesus.
From the stories and exhortations we read in the Bible, as well as the example of Christ, we see that real men do sacrifice, work hard, and lay down their lives for others. They lead, and they also submit. They feel, cry, love, and support. They are committed husbands, fathers, and friends. They wrestle with God and experience deep struggles.
And, in Jesus’ words today, they all equally and desperately need to come to the One who saves.
In a world that pulls men in a thousand different directions, and where there are many things that drain our strength and cloud our minds, Jesus emerges with perfect clarity:
Come to me. Find your rest.
Doesn’t that sound good?
Everything you’ll ever need is found in Him (Philippians 4:19).
(Including your idea of what a real man is.)
Turn off your phone. Shut off your social media. Hear His call to spend some time with Him, and go and find your strength there, leaving any shame about your masculinity behind.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example and Your Word, which tell me exactly what a “real” man is supposed to be. Help me to be faithful to follow You and Your Scripture in all that I do, and lift off me any shame that might remain. Amen.
Reflection: If you had to define what makes a man, how would you do it? What is it based on? Compared to Christ and the Bible, are there any of your views that need to shift?
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