The Five Marks of Manhood

Written By Aubrie Mason

Rite of passage…

1.  Age 

2.  Ritual 

3.  Community 

4.  Lessons 

5.  Challenge 

6.  Celebration 

7.  Reintegration

What moment marks a boy’s transition into manhood?

  • When a young boy doesn’t know what makes him a man, he will remain unsettled in his identity.

  • As fathers, we are irreplaceable in the lives of our children.

Malachi 4:6 (NKJV) And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.

Children without a dad…

  • Are four times more likely to live in poverty.

  • Are more likely to suffer emotional and behavioral problems.

  • Have higher levels of aggressive behavior.

  • Have two times the risk of infant mortality.

  • Are twice as likely to be involved in early sexual activity.

  • Are more likely to go to prison.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV) Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

A man acts like a man, when he is…

1.  Watchful

2.  Stands in faith

3.  Walks alongside of other men

4.  Strong (courageous)

5.  Walks in love

       

1.  Be watchful

Watchful — “to be vigilant and awake lest some destructive calamity overtakes you.” 

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) Be sober-minded; be watchful.  Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Watchful means…

  • To be spiritually alert and in tune with the Holy Spirit.

  • To be clear headed and pure of heart.

  • To have spiritual discernment.

  • To guard your heart with all diligence.

  • To be a watchman in prayer over your family.

  • To have a protective eye out for the safety of your family.

     

God also wants us to be men of vision.

“I got dreams that keep me up in the dead of night.  Telling me I wasn’t made for the simple life.”  —NeedToBreath

Acts 2:17 (NLT) In the last days, God says, “I will pour out My Spirit upon all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy.  Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 

Are you a man of vision? 

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 

2.  Stand firm 

Stand firm — “to persevere and persist, to keep one’s standing.” 

  • The moments that define us as men are when we choose to do something difficult that we know won’t be a popular choice.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT) You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate.  The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. 

3.  Be strong (courageous)

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Isaiah 41:9-10 (NIV/AMP) I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you.  I said, “You are My servant;” I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].

4.  Let all you do be done in love

Love — “affection, good will, benevolence, and brotherly love.”

Colossians 3:12 (NASB) As those who have been chosen of God, holy, and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

5.  Act like men 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV) Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.  But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm.  But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.  Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Five Marks of a Man…

1.  Be watchful

2.  Stand in faith

3.  Be strong 

4.  Walk in love

5.  Walk alongside of other men

  

1 Kings 2:2 (NASB) Show yourself a man.

Aubrie Mason
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