“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV
The role of men in our society has greatly diminished over the years. This isn’t just a reality for the 21st century but has been developing especially in the United States since the end of World War II. I was reminded of this last weekend with the anniversary of D-Day on June the 6th. Our local regional airport also held their annual World War II Weekend by the Mid Atlantic Air Museum. These men who fought this war were known as the ‘greatest generation.’ That is not taking away anything from the many women who had a vital role, or the men and women in the Untied States who contributed to the war effort during this period in history.
We saw society change gradually in the years following World Warr II. Some for the good, and some for the not-so-good. The advancement of women in the workplace has been a good thing. Women’s presence in the workforce has been increasing in all fields, adding another dimension to the overall success of many companies and organizations with their expertise. The not-so-good effect is many men have downplayed their God given role within the family and in society itself. This has been filtering down for the last two generations and the family unit is suffering from it, not to mention the local church.
When the apostle Paul closed his letter the church in Corinth, he instructed the men to ‘act like men.’ Sounds like there may have been a problem. Men not acting like men is a problem in society, it is even a bigger problem when it occurs in the church. Paul told them to be watchful. Their eyes were to be trained on expecting the unexcepted, to always be ready to handle any situation. There were to stand firm in the faith and not compromise on any of the Lord’s Words in Scripture. They were to be strong, as men ought to be, and they were to do everything in love. That’s how real men act. Let’s act like men!
Word for the Soul 