During the past week I heard two conflicting ideas of what men are supposed to be like.  Both ideas were 180 apart from each other.  Which one do I model my life after? The first one said that society would like to wusssify men to be more feminine. The other said, “You need to connect your brain with your heart”.  I think that Jesus’ message was to connect and love your neighbor as yourself.

The first message had many good points in that we are to shoulder with other men’s burdens, to never be alone again in order to get through life.  The ultimate desire was to encourage men to leave committed to daily acts of courage, guiding them into a new and fresh journey of faith.

The second message was that we are to learn to love and be loved. Build and value relationships.  This sounds feminine when we talk about the concepts we were taught about men.  Much was said about recognizing the “three lies of false masculinity – Athletic ability, sexual conquest and economic success” These are not the best measurements of manhood.

“Masculinity, first and foremost, ought to be defined in terms of relationships,” the speaker said. “It ought to be taught in terms of the capacity to love and to be loved. It comes down to this: What kind of father are you? What kind of husband are you? What kind of coach or teammate are you? What kind of son are you? What kind of friend are you? Success comes in terms of relationships.”

Accept responsibility, lead courageously and enact justice on behalf of others. Practice the concepts of empathy, inclusion and integrity. Learn the importance of serving others. Base your thoughts and actions on “What can I do for you?”  Develop a cause beyond yourself. Try to leave the world a better place because you were here.

I think, as I look at these two concepts I need to adapt both ideas into my thought process, because Jesus was that kind of man.  A man that formed relationships with both brother and outcast, taught his followers to be committed, displayed courage and enacted justice on behalf of others.

If I am to live the life and “walk the walk” that Jesus ask me to do then I need to incorporate the ideas from both avenues of thought.

I have talked many times about the men that I form a bond with.  They shoulder my burdens with me, they pray for me each day, as I do them.  Their desire for me is to be the best version of myself each day as I walk through my life.  They also hold me accountable to a much greater degree than the world would hold me.  With them I can tell my secrets, let my wall down and I don’t feel like I am being judged. I have formed a relationship with other men that share the same hope and promises as I do.

I need to use the bible as my guide each day and pray that the Holy Spirit will enter my life and motivate me to do the will of God.  Will you join with other men and form a relationship? Doing so will strengthen your daily walk and help you Live|BOLD in your faith.

-Steve Rusk
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