Christian men are not particularly known for their virility. We might be seen as the safe, tame, and dutiful Clark Kent, but without the corresponding Superman as part of the package. And while there might be many reasons for this, we fail to reflect God’s image while also leaving our communities more vulnerable when we don’t reclaim our true vitality.
On the one hand, we cannot offer our strength when we’re entangled with our various personal sins, or believing the lie that somehow our design as men is inherently flawed. We must do the work to free ourselves from within and without – no longer allowing our life-giving power to be robbed or diminished.
But this doesn’t mean we can do whatever we want – selfishly pushing our own agenda without care or concern for others. Our strength must always be used in the service of love. All the same, love does not mean we become Mr. Nice Guy.
It seems we’re more comfortable with the concepts of freedom and love, and remain rather suspicious of power. But these three are interwoven and must work together to fully reflect the glory God has given us to reveal.
To be sure, we remain impotent if finding freedom and learning to love doesn’t also include fully embracing our generative powers to bring more life and goodness into the world. It’s not enough to merely be free from sin and kind to others without also wielding our power to make an impact for good.
Reclaiming our vitality starts with simply acknowledging, honoring, and following the very pattern of our bodies. God designed our bodies to tell the story of masculine vitality – to represent the potent, penetrating, and procreative promise we all need and crave for our communities to thrive.
In the end, God created you with generative power to bless your life and relationships. Don’t let anyone, including yourself, cut off your masculine vitality or otherwise diminish the glory God has given you to reveal.
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