Understanding The Purpose And Power Of Men

1. The Male Identity Crisis Stems from a Worldwide Web of Confusion.

The male of this cyber-technical, Internet-driven, postmodern world is caught in a worldwide web of confusion.

Modern male confusion. Men globally face a crisis of identity, masculinity, and fatherhood, struggling to find their place in a rapidly changing world. Traditional roles are shifting, conflicting societal expectations abound, leaving many feeling lost, disillusioned, and without a clear definition of manhood. This confusion impacts families and society, contributing to social problems like crime and domestic violence.

Roles versus purpose. Historically, men defined themselves by roles like breadwinner and protector, which were often predetermined by biology and the struggle for survival. However, modern independence, dual careers, and changing social norms have blurred these lines, leaving men without a solid basis for their identity if it's tied solely to roles. The crisis highlights the need for a deeper, unchanging definition of manhood.

Seeking true definition. Society offers competing images of masculinity, from traditional to progressive, but none provide a universal, stable definition. The author argues that true manhood is not found in cultural roles or stereotypes, but in rediscovering the male's inherent purpose, which transcends changing times. This requires looking beyond societal trends to the original intent of the Manufacturer.

2. True Purpose and Fulfillment Are Found Only in the Creator's Design.

No product can understand its identity by asking the customer, because only the manufacturer knows the original purpose and potential of his product.

Manufacturer knows purpose. Just as a product's purpose is known only by its maker, humanity's true identity and reason for being can only be understood by consulting the Creator, God. Relying on societal opinions or self-discovery through experimentation leads to confusion and unfulfilled potential. God's purpose is intentional, meaningful, and guaranteed to prevail over human plans.

God's purposeful nature. God is a God of purpose, planning everything before creation. Everything He made has a specific purpose, and its nature, design, and features are determined by that purpose. Understanding this principle is crucial because it means our design as males and females is directly linked to why we were created, not arbitrary or subject to change based on trends.

Finding your design. To live effectively and fulfilled, one must discover God's specific purpose for their life. This involves seeking God, studying His "Manual" (the Bible), and allowing our minds to be renewed by His truth, rather than conforming to the world's patterns. Our purpose is deeply embedded within us, but requires God's wisdom to draw it out.

3. Where Purpose Is Not Known or Is Rejected, Abuse Is Inevitable.

Where purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable.

Consequences of ignorance. This principle applies universally: if you don't know the intended purpose of something, you will misuse or abuse it, often with harmful consequences. This is true for objects, relationships, and especially for human life. Living without understanding God's purpose for us means we are merely experimenting, risking self-inflicted harm.

Abuse in relationships. When men and women are ignorant of God's original intentions for their individual and relational purposes, they inevitably abuse each other, even unintentionally. The current crisis in male-female relationships, marked by conflict and competition, stems from this fundamental misunderstanding and rejection of God's design for their complementary roles and shared dominion.

Self-inflicted harm. Rejecting God's purpose, as Adam and Eve did, leads to spiritual death and suffering, not because God actively punishes, but because violating His laws carries inherent consequences. We become victims of our own decisions when we choose to live according to our limited knowledge rather than His perfect plan.

4. Mankind, Created in God's Image, Was Designed for Dominion Over the Earth.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Image of God. God created "man" (the spirit-being) in His image, meaning man is spirit, eternal, and designed for relationship with God. This spiritual essence, without gender, resides within both male and female physical forms. Being made in God's image signifies man's purpose to be God's offspring, manifest His nature, and have fellowship with Him.

Purpose for the earth. God created the universe as a "nursery" for mankind, demonstrating His immense care and priority for humanity. Man was created not for heaven, but for earth, to extend God's rule from the unseen realm to the visible. This dominion mandate was given to the spirit-man, meaning both male and female share the responsibility to rule, care for, and cultivate the earth.

Working with God. Man was created as a son, not a servant, intended to work with God in the family business of expanding His kingdom influence on earth. This partnership implies reliance on God for provision and resources needed to fulfill the dominion assignment, including executing righteous judgment. This eternal purpose was disrupted by the Fall but restored through Christ.

5. Male and Female Were Made with Distinct, Complementary Designs for Shared Purpose.

God’s purpose requires two genders working together in cooperation to accomplish a mutual vision.

Two physical forms. After creating the spirit-man, God placed him in two distinct physical "houses": male and female. This was not arbitrary but intentional, designed to enable man to fulfill two specific purposes on the physical earth. While both are "man" in essence (spirit), their physical forms and inherent natures are complementary, not identical.

Complementary design. The female was "made" (built/constructed) from the male's side, signifying she is of the same essence but designed as his perfect complement and equal partner. The male is essentially the giver, and the female the receiver, a design reflected physically and intended to enable mutual fulfillment and cooperation in fulfilling the dominion mandate.

Helper suitable. God created the woman because "it is not good for the man to be alone," making her a "helper suitable" for him. This doesn't imply inferiority but compatibility and strength. The woman's design is to help the man fulfill his vision and purpose, bringing balance and added capacity that he lacks alone. Both genders are essential for humanity's full function.

6. The Male's Purpose is Defined by His Priority, Position, and God-Given Assignments.

The purpose of the male may be summed up as his priority, his position, and his assignment.

Priority as foundation. The male was created first, not because he is better, but because he was designed to be the foundation of the human family and society. Society's strength depends on the male's stability. Like a building's foundation, the male is meant to be solid, dependable, often unseen, supporting everything built upon him. Absent or unstable males leave families and communities on shaky ground.

Position in God's presence. God placed the first male in the Garden of Eden, a place of His continual presence, signifying that the male is wired to function only within God's presence. His primary position is to remain in communion with God, receiving direction and strength. The intention was for the male to spread this "Garden" presence over the earth through dominion, not to leave it.

Divine assignments. The male was given specific dominion assignments before the female was created, indicating his inherent purpose. These include being the initial recipient of God's information and instructions, making him responsible for leading and guiding those who come after him. These assignments are not roles chosen by men, but purposes given by God, inherent to his design.

7. True Dominion is Over the Earth, Not Domination Over Other People.

Any time a man starts to dominate another human being, he is out of God’s will.

Dominion distorted. God created men and women to exercise dominion over the earth together, not to dominate one another. The Fall introduced sin, distorting relationships and leading to a quest for domination, particularly by men over women, fueled by a perverted desire to prove strength and a fear of appearing weak. This is an abuse of God's intended purpose for male strength.

Power vs. authority. True male strength is power under control, channeled for constructive purposes. Dominating others is not leadership but wielding illegitimate power, often stemming from insecurity. God-given authority is earned through righteous living and service, not seized by force. Abusing power forfeits legitimate authority.

Submission misunderstood. Biblical submission is a willful act of aligning one's will with another, not forced compliance. Wives are called to submit to husbands as to the Lord, implying submission is conditional on the husband acting in a Christlike manner (loving, serving, leading righteously). A man who demands submission without earning it through Christlike character abuses his position.

8. The Male is Assigned as Visionary, Leader, Teacher, and Cultivator.

Being a visionary is a foundational responsibility for the male because, without it, he can’t fulfill his other assignments of leader, teacher, cultivator, protector, and provider.

Visionary foundation. The male is designed to be a visionary, receiving God's revelation and direction for his life and family. Without a clear, God-given vision, a man lacks direction and cannot effectively lead himself or others. This vision is not dictated by culture but discovered through relationship with God, requiring listening for His voice and acknowledging Christ's headship.

Inherent leadership. Males are born to lead, a position inherent in their purpose, not earned or debated. Responsible leadership requires strength, courage, obedience to God, logical thinking (not ruled by emotion), a servant's heart (like Christ), and a teachable spirit. A true leader earns respect by loving, guiding, and inspiring, not by demanding compliance.

Teacher and cultivator. The male is the primary spiritual teacher of his family, responsible for communicating God's Word and ways. This requires knowing the Word himself and teaching by example, integrating faith into everyday life. As a cultivator, the male is meant to make everything around him better – his work, his children, and especially his wife – nurturing growth and fruitfulness.

9. The Male is Assigned as Provider and Protector.

God has given men the ability, strength, and spiritual weaponry to protect and guard everything He has entrusted to their care.

Work and provision. Work is a blessing given to the male before the Fall, intended to advance God's purposes, bring personal fulfillment, and enable him to provide for himself and his family. While women can and do work, the primary responsibility for being the main provider rests with the man. This role is deeply tied to his identity and sense of worth.

Designed to provide. The male is designed with an inherent need to work and give, finding satisfaction in completing tasks and providing for others. A provider plans ahead, anticipating needs and making preparations. When a man cannot provide, it can be devastating to his self-esteem, sometimes leading to irresponsible behavior if he lacks understanding of his deeper purpose and God's provision.

Protector and guardian. The male is God's "security guard," created to protect and guard everything under his care, including his family and the spiritual atmosphere of his home. This protective nature is inherent, supported by physical strength, logical thinking, territorial protectiveness, and a drive to excel. This strength is meant to defend and safeguard, not to harm or dominate.

10. Understanding God's Design for Sexuality Prevents Misuse and Brings Fulfillment.

Your body is God’s property.

God created sex. Sexuality is God's idea, created as "very good," and intended for beautiful expression within marriage. It is a physical sign of a spiritual act – the complete giving of oneself. God is against the misuse of sex because it harms the people He created and violates the sacred boundaries He established for our protection and maximum enjoyment.

Purpose within marriage. God designed sex within the marriage covenant for procreation, to seal a blood covenant between two people, and for mutual pleasure without negative repercussions. The "one flesh" union is meant exclusively for husband and wife. Violating this boundary, even if it "feels good," goes against the body's intended purpose and brings spiritual and emotional consequences.

Avoiding sexual traps. Men face sexual temptations like misunderstanding female design, the lure of pleasure/romanticism, desire for extramarital relationships, and ego needs. Overcoming these requires acknowledging physical responses without acting on them, honoring the marriage covenant, fleeing tempting situations, and exercising self-control. True fulfillment comes from aligning sexuality with God's design and finding worth in Him, not external validation.

11. Good Fatherhood Reflects God's Nature and Builds a Lasting Spiritual Heritage.

The greatest heritage a man can leave his sons and daughters is not money or property, but faith.

Representing God. Fatherhood is a tremendous calling, as fathers are meant to represent the fatherhood of God to their children. A man cannot be a good earthly father without knowing and having faith in his Heavenly Father, modeling trust and reliance on God as the ultimate Provider and Protector. Children's concept of God is significantly shaped by their relationship with their father.

Loving the mother. The second most important act of fatherhood is loving the children's mother. Children gain a sense of security and learn about healthy relationships by witnessing their parents' affection, respect, and consideration for one another. A father's treatment of his wife directly impacts his children's well-being and their future relationships.

Teaching and cultivating. Fathers are responsible for teaching their children God's Word and ways, not delegating this solely to mothers or the church. This involves living by example and integrating faith into daily life. A good father cultivates his children, helping them discover their gifts, affirming their worth, and building them up rather than tearing them down, shaping them into all God created them to be.

Last updated: May 1, 2025