Biblical Masculinity: Responsibility over Charisma

Why Responsibility is the biblical measure of a man.

Recommended Reading: Mark 10:43–45, Luke 16:10, Colossians 3:23–24

As we often discuss here on Staying With God, the things that the world considers true and masculine varies quite a lot from what Scripture considers. One of these things that the world considers the measure of a man, is charisma, the ability to work a room and convince other people to your side of things.

However, in this follow up from my previous article, I wanted to show that the true measure of a man is not the ability to sway crowds, but rather the ability and willingness to carry out whatever responsibilities he is given.

This, however, is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people.

-Mark 10:43-45 GNT

While God does not want us to become enslaved to other people, the meaning of the verse is clear: One of the best ways of becoming great in the eyes of God is to serve others.

This is something that I have attempted to do in a variety of ways throughout my walk with God. On top of writing this Substack, I also serve in a Lunch club and in a variety of other church ministries. I was inspired by the example of Jesus, as He spent the majority of his ministry healing and serving people in some capacity, in order to reflect the love that God has towards His children.

So to facilitate this, why not see if there are any church rotas you can fill in your church? or if there are any clubs at church you can volunteer for? I truly believe that serving in this way will really bring you close to God.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve

-Colossians 3:23–24 GNT

This is something to consider with whatever responsibility you have. No matter if you work in Macdonald’s or in the highest echelons of your church, do your job to the best of your ability, as if you were personally serving God directly.

The God of the universe does not cut corners, so neither should you. In every aspect of your life, do your due diligence to the best of your ability, and carry out the work assigned to you, as best as you can. For your faith, God will reward you in eternity.

Whoever is faithful in small matters will be faithful in large ones; whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in large ones.

-Luke 16:10 GNT

Prayer-

Heavenly Father, we thank you for giving us the will and energy to serve you and other people according to your will. Today, help us find the work you would have us carry out, and give us the energy we need to carry this work out.

In Jesus’ name, amen.