ADDRESSING MEN’S NEEDS

Manhood is at the very heart of creation. Manhood is tied to the image of God. God wants to re-father us and make us into authentic manhood.

Men were born to live a life of adventure and battles. Men were created to live. Sadly, most men are not living. They are fearful of failure and imprisoned by their own thinking. They are people pleasers, who live for the approval of others in society. They are afraid of how others may reject them, if they choose to take the road less travelled. Hence we need to understand the manhood and address the needs of men in our society so that they can play their pivotal role in the family, community and the church.

Men are to:

• Lead - A man must be a leader in a relationship, in a marriage, in a family. There are no excuses. A woman doesn’t want to make the decisions for her man, she wants her man to lead. A man must take initiative. He’s a leader, not a follower, a servant, not a slave, a hero, not a coward. He should be the leader spiritually first, emotionally, mentally, and physically. He sets the standards for others to follow.

• Protect- A real man of God will protect his partner. He is willing to lay down with his own life, needs and wants for the protection of the one he loves. A woman needs to feel secure, that she is safe with her man.
• Provide - “Treat your woman like a queen and you will live like a king.” A real man will do whatever it takes to provide for his loved one. In finances, in basic needs, as well as what she desires. If a man can’t provide, he isn’t a man. A real man treats women with the utmost care, honor and respect.

They can do the above with:

• Integrity - A true man of God is a man of his word. Words mean nothing if they are not backed up with action. Integrity is about doing what is right, whether people are watching or not. Words carry weight. So live by your words, live by action, be a living proof of your values, convictions, and commitments.
• Courage - All men die, few men truly live. Courage is an integral part of manhood. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

Men then require to be understood and supported in their needs:

• Men need the church. If the church and its pastors don’t lead men to reclaim a biblical manhood, most men will not pursue it with consistency and courage.
• Men need self-control. They are called to exercise control in the area of their sexuality. This is a major issue that the society is struggling with. How many men have failed to reach their potential because they allowed their lust; be it for alcohol, drugs, sex, money or something else, to get the best of them?
• Men need a safe place where they know someone understands them and they are not alone. If men feel welcomed and understood, they will let their hair down and interact with other men over issues that may have been bothering them for many years.
• Men need a compelling vision that they can grasp. This vision will inspire and lift them during moments of challenge in the workplace and community, or when they are facing discouragement in their own heart. The vision will recharge them.
• Men need moment where they know they have become a man. Men need a reference point where they know they have crossed over into the promised land of responsible manhood and will stay there and grow.
• Men need time to effectively process their manhood. Men are often cautious and do not move quickly toward a deeper perspective of who they are. Allow the opportunity for men to involve themselves with other men through interaction and rubbing shoulders with one another.
• Men need practical lessons they can use and taste success with. They need to go out and implement ideas. If the teaching does not work in real life, men will start ignoring what you tell them.
• Men need mentors who come alongside to listen and offer encouragement. The younger men need the support of the older men that they can do it.

Be a man of adventure, a man who is willing to take risks and do the impossible. Manhood is at the very heart of creation. Manhood is tied to the image of God. God wants to re-father us and make us into authentic manhood. Let us take back our positions.