New Commandment Men’s Ministries Blog
The World’s View of Masculinity
The world has its own idea of masculinity, which differs across cultures and countries. By using the term “world” here, I refer to what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (nasb). I appreciate how the J. B. Phillips translation expresses this truth: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold, but let God re-mold your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.”
The original word for “world” here implies being influenced by current thoughts and pursuits rather than the eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Not this world but the next world. We should avoid adopting our culture’s ideas of masculinity and instead strive to become the men God wants us to be. Why do men often chase immediate gratification? Instead, if we choose a lifestyle of sacrificial service to others, in the short term, we might miss out on some pleasure or perceived status, but in the long run, we can create a legacy of honor and service that endures.
The World’s View of Masculinity
What are specific examples from modern culture of how the world views what it means to be a man? I think of men on the internet or on podcasts that many men follow in what is called the “manosphere.” They are without the influence of Christ, yet they talk about manhood and how to be a “real man.” There are many social media influencers and teachers today who claim that manhood is about getting rich, sleeping with as many women as possible, and never backing down to another man.
We are truly living in the era, as Paul wrote to Timothy, “For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3–4 nasb).
What does the current age of men believe about masculinity? What are we being taught? On the other hand, what do Jesus Christ and the Scriptures state concerning masculinity? No doubt, you’ve heard about toxic masculinity. When the world’s view of masculinity is compared to what the Bible teaches, a stark contrast emerges.
| Topic | World’s View | Scriptural View |
| Sex | No limits or boundaries | Confined within the safety of covenant marriage |
|
Authority/Power |
Used to promote self |
Used to serve others, or a righteous cause |
|
Family |
Multiple definitions |
Confined within a covenant marriage |
|
Children |
Seen as either a burden or a trophy |
Seen as a rewarding stewardship |
|
Marriage |
No limits or rules: a purely social contract |
One man, one woman in covenant |
|
Work |
Often viewed as either drudgery or a place to find identity |
Seen as a stewardship |
|
Legacy |
“You only live once, so get all you can!” |
Loving service to family and community |
|
Pleasure |
Sought outside of God’s standards |
Sought within God’s established standards |
|
Service |
Often seen as a weakness |
Seen as a new mindset and manner of living |
© Dr. Paul Pettit
Adapted from: A Courageous Identity: Accepting the Call of Christ-Centered Masculinity (Whitaker House) Available now on Amazon.com
About Dr. Paul Pettit
Dr. Paul Pettit serves as Director of Career Services at Dallas Theological Seminary and teaches in the departments of Spiritual Formation, Leadership, and Pastoral Ministries. Dr. Pettit is also the founder of Dynamic Dads. Dynamic Dads is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging fathers everywhere in their demanding yet highly rewarding role of leading their family.
Check out Dr. Paul Pettit’s latest book, “A Courageous Identity: Accepting the Call of Christ-Centered Masculinity.” https://tinyurl.com/yc4dds3x
