This is something that landed on my heart this morning, and I just wanted to share a few thoughts. I was thinking about how men are viewed a lot of times. Sometimes for good reasons. Other times not for good reasons. (I understand that women have different problems with how people view them.) This is not meant to be a complaining blog post, or an excuse blog post. I’m just thinking out loud.

Because of the terrible things men have done, we’ve really gotten a bad reputation. We’ve abused our strength to get what we want. We’ve abused our authority to oppress people (not just women). Men are, in general, physically stronger than women. This was by design so that men could protect and defend their family and friends. Strength was designed for protection. However, it’s been twisted to be used against people. Most homicides are committed by men. Most rapes are committed by men. (That’s also because of biology, but that’s not my point. The people who suffer rape usually can’t escape the man committing it.)

If it isn’t these things, men are usually branded as pigs. We just want sex, so shame on us. Women’s sins are often more behind the scenes and sometimes more accepted. (I won’t go into them. That’s not what I’m talking about right now.) I want to talk to my fellow man. Here’s what I want to say; friend, there is freedom. You can be strong. You can protect the people you love. You can appreciate beauty and not sexualize women. You can stand strong and take responsibility.

I myself was addicted to pornography, like so many other young boys are in America. Actually, it’s most men. Even in the church. Not many want to talk about it. But three years ago, God spoke to me. He called me to Himself. I surrendered my life to Him, and He washed me clean. Pornography ended for me in April of 2015. Since then, I haven’t looked at porn even one time. I am so happy to be free. I feel like a real man. Like who God wanted me to be from the beginning. By knowing my creator, I am learning who I was really made to be. My strength comes from the Lord.

It may be true that some women hate men, but that’s because of their experiences with men. But all women want strong men in their lives. Not even to just take care of them. Not every woman is in distress in that way. Women want to be loved, and want to be wanted. Let me tell you something my friend. Who really wants them? God wants them. So dearly. You can’t give them what they need. The pressure is off! Seriously. If we can get this, we can be strong. Be an example. Spend time with God, and if you don’t know Him, you can. This isn’t about “becoming a Christian.” Jesus didn’t come to make Christians. In fact, when He came, He presented life. What the early church had was Judaism with Jesus. So what I’m suggesting is a relationship with God. You can be a disciple. One that follows Jesus. Everything He did. Everything He taught. You can do, you can teach. You can be strong, just like Jesus.

Jesus protected women. He strengthened His disciples. He hung out with the people no one wanted to. He loved prostitutes, even if people thought He was a sinner for doing it. He didn’t care. He didn’t back down at opposition. He stood strong and spoke against hypocrisy. THAT’S MY JESUS! He is the realest man there ever was.

So, my fellow man, are you brave enough to die? Dying physically is something that many men of other religions have done, but that’s not what I’m talking about. Not many men have really died to themselves.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew‬ ‭16:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians‬ ‭2:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You may not know what’s on the other side of death to yourself. Let me assure you that you were not made to live for yourself. You were made in the image of God. So if you want to know who you truly are, you’ve got to die. Honestly, I wish someone would have told me this sooner, but better at 23, than 53. Thank the Lord Jesus, He set me free.

I believe in you, man of God. You can do this. I challenge you to a higher expression of masculinity. I challenge you to not be afraid to show emotion. The Christian life is not easier. In fact, there are so many more challenges. At the same time, it’s way easier, because God is with you. I’d prefer God to be on my side any day. Seriously, I’ve never had more fun in my entire life. This is the most amazing life.

Thank you for reading, and be blessed in Jesus name!