The Marks of Mature Manhood and Womanhood: Part 1

Beloved Kinney,

As you know, for those who are able, we are reading two books this month. The men
are reading The Redeemed Man and the ladies are reading Feminine Appeal. In light of
this, I want to draw a few principles from these books over the next two blog posts.
Today, I’ll summarize a few things that stuck out to me from reading The Redeemed
Man.

So much could be said about what it means to be a godly man. I could focus on some of
the distinct characteristics of mature manhood: servant leadership, faithful protection,
and appropriate provision.

But I want to address two characteristics that are essential (not distinct to, but
emphatically essential) to mature manhood.

1) Humility
All Christians should have a measured view of themselves. Romans 12:3, “For by the
grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than
he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of
faith that God has assigned.”

This is important for all Christians, but especially men who are called to lead, protect,
and provide. A humble self-assessment gives life to those around you. Men, we must
pursue humility by thinking a lot about Jesus and less of ourselves.

2) Love
The driving characteristic of a faithful man is love. Though Ephesians 5:25-29 is
explicitly talking about manhood in marriage, it seems to capture a key element of what
every man should strive for. Paul writes,

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave
himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by
the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the
church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such
thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way
husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves
his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but
nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because
we are members of his body.

Laying down your preferences, your wants, your whole self for the good of those around
you—that’s essential to mature manhood! Without love, men cannot be godly men!

Men, let us continue to ask the Lord to mold us into godly men who exemplify humility
and love.

Love,
Pastor Josh