-Strenght for Today- "Men, We Need to Act Like Men! - 1 Corinthians 16:13.

     Looking at the over-all structure of our culture, it’s time for men of God to rise up and model out “authentic manhood.” There’s an “exploding subculture,” that’s “shaping what a man should, be.” This tension is a “satanic stronghold,” yet the Bible says we’re to, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13. 

  This is a less trodden subject that our culture displays in the mainstream. The Bible is full of areas telling us to “be strong, (Deuteronomy 31:6-7, Joshua 1:6-7, Psalm 27:14), and “act like men.” Paul encouraged the men in the church of Corinth to “act like men.” The same applies today for all of us "men” who in reality are still acting like “boys.”  

  To this he said, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” – 1 Corinthians 13:11. Men, we’re not children anymore. Therefore, it’s time to give up the “teething ring.” Nothing is standing between us acting like “boys versus men” except for ourselves. 

  As men, we’re to act with courage and strength of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because as believers, we have the "spiritual strength” needed to move through life. But to do this, we have to make a choice. Becoming a “man” doesn’t just happen. Paul said, “when I became a man,” meaning, he made a decision to “give up childish ways.” Have you made that choice? 

  If not, I encourage you to turn from, the “lust of the world,” (1 John 2:16-17), and become the “man” God is calling you to be and forsake the “poison of pride,” sought by our culture. Culture is the “worst” definer of “manhood.” It speaks only of meaningless ways to “entertaining one’s “selfish ego.” And in many ways, it tells you to continue being an “immature boy” who only cares about himself and no one else. 

Author: Plez Lovelady, Jr., PhD