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In some quarters, young men are seen above all as a threat.
Your strength and energy are intimidating. Your potential is largely seen as a potential for sexual or violent abuse.
I don’t disagree that you have potential to hurt and harm others. Each one of us has within us the potential to do the very worst. We are sinners, after all.
Without God’s grace, our sinful potential is terrifying.
But you should not first be seen as a threat. We all need you. Things fall apart when men fail to show up. The mess caused by fatherlessness is the obvious example here.
However, when young men yield their powerful potential to God and use it for the good of those around them, everyone is blessed. Families are built up. Communities are strengthened. Nations prosper.
As Solomon put it: ‘The glory of young men is their strength’ (Proverbs 20:29).
You have unique strength: God-given strength for God-given work. Your manly work is in different contexts but always has to do with taking the initiative for the good of something beyond yourself.
Take some of the men found in the book of Genesis. Adam worked for the good of that plot of earth called Eden. He was called by God to cultivate and protect it. Or think about Abraham’s work for the good of his family. He commanded them in the way of the Lord. Or take Joseph and his work for the good of nation. He ruled with wisdom and discernment, ensuring that the people were kept fed during the years of famine.
In each context, we see men fulfilling their potential as initiators. This is at the very heart of a man’s work. We’re called to initiate. The fact that we carry literal seed emphasises my point.
A man is called to initiate. And a woman is called to respond.
To wrap this post up, I want to pull these two themes together – strength and initiative – and ask a question.
Today, how are you going to use your God-given strength in the service of something more than yourself?
You are desperately needed. By your family, your community, your church.
So, I’d love to encourage you to step up and make it your job to do them good.
Make the first move. Take the lead.
Just start.