The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Psalm 19:1
Bulging muscles, fast cars, fancy houses, Mr. Suave (pronounced Swa-vay) that is able to sweep any woman off her feet – this is how the world has allowed Hollywood to define masculinity. It may be better than the alternative (soft-spoken, weak, and sweeping guys off their feet), but we see neither picture when we look at the true men of the Bible. They knew how to be strong when they needed to be, but they also knew that their softer side must be allowed to show, as well. Compare Jesus throwing the money changers out of the temple to His weeping at the tomb of Lazarus. See Paul enduring the stoning, beatings, and shipwreck; but watch him shed tears for the lost. Yes, a man ought to be tough and have his emotions in check but being “macho” is not synonymous with being masculine.
At creation, God’s specific purpose for man in his perfect state was to fellowship with God and to enjoy what He had created. Likewise, you should learn to see the beauty in creation. You don’t have to be so “macho” that you cannot marvel at a flower or stand in awe of a rainbow. You don’t have to be so gruff that a baby cannot melt your heart or that a child cannot take your hand. These are all things that God created for our enjoyment. True masculinity allows the soft, gentlemanly side to show when it is appropriate.
Many view a tear on a man’s cheek as a sign of weakness, but the opposite is true. When a man is strong enough, and humble enough, to allow a teardrop to fall, he is allowing the emotions that God created in him to show themselves. There is a difference between shedding the occasional tear and being a crybaby, but if man was never meant to cry, then God would have created him without tear ducts. There is nothing wrong with shedding a tear at the wedding of a daughter or sister. Nothing can be said against a man who weeps for the death of a loved one. No one can fault a man who cries in prayer over the lost. If Jesus cried, and if Paul and others wept, then it certainly has a place in the masculine make-up.
There is a serious lack of masculinity in our society today. However, what has been defined as the alternative has been skewed by a misconception that being a man means you can never show your emotions, you can never appreciate God’s creation, and you can present only your tough side. Please be strong, but also be sensitive. After all, you have a mother, and that makes you half woman.
Read also: John 11:30-36
Quote of the day: "A true man is a tender warrior – a man with a tender heart beating beneath his armor.”