Following Adam’s Sin
After Adam and Eve believe the lie of the serpent and eat the forbidden fruit, God asks Adam a simple yes or no question: Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?
Adam, recognizing his sin and guilt, responds by blaming his wife and God, who had given her to him.
The first sin established the pattern of sinful responses for the rest of humanity. Men follow the first man in refusing to accept responsibility for our own mistakes and failing to lead our spouses and families as God has called us to do.
The church-skipping men claim to be even more spiritual and masculine, while shrinking back from their God-given leadership role.
They blame women and insult them for being too weak or not deep enough and pat themselves on the back for trying to help the weaker sex understand the reality.
All the while, women and other men are serving and actually doing the work of the church.
What’s the Solution?
Could the church do more to reach unreached men? Sure. But what does that look like?
Is it gun range trips, hunting expeditions and wild game dinners? Those may draw in some men, but not all of us.
Is it monster trucks and MMA fights on stage? I certainly hope not.
If you are seeking entertainment geared specifically to you, almost every town has a movie theater. Most homes have a television. Start there.
That’s not the job of the church. And that’s not an excuse for men to avoid being an active part a local congregation.
If you want to truly demonstrate masculinity, stop complaining about how things don’t suit you and stop blaming everyone else for why you aren’t following God’s commands.
Instead, start getting involved in church. Show leadership. Help the church find solutions to reaching unchurched men and women.
Sacrificially love your biological family and your church family, by surrendering your desires for the good of those around you.
That’s Christ-centered masculinity. That’s being a man like Jesus.
This article originally appeared here.
