By Eric Anderson

We live in a mixed-up world. Whether you’re aware of it or not, two of the most important elements missing from today’s Western civilization are masculine men and feminine women!

This trend started after World War II and has become a huge problem since the 1960s. An identity crisis now plagues our culture. Gender lines are so blurred and jumbled, it’s difficult for many teens to establish and settle into their distinct, God-ordained roles as adults.

It is meaningful that we are created as either male or female. Inborn differences distinguish us from one another—not only physical ones, but also mental and emotional.

What is true masculinity? Some think masculinity means to be loud, obstinate, heartless and unemotional. These, however, are not traits to describe masculinity as God intended men to be.

By basic nature, the man is a leader. God created him this way. He appointed the man to be the head of the household—the wife is to be his helper (Genesis 2:18).

Ephesians 5:23-25 state, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” God’s purpose, we see here, was for men and women to serve each other. His purpose was for them to work together as a team, with the husband as team leader and the wife as personal assistant.

God has modeled the male role after Christ’s! As Christ perfectly loves and rules His Church, so should a husband strive to love and rule his wife perfectly.

The great Creator of the universe who made us male and female had a marvelous purpose in doing so. He did not intend for women to take on manly characteristics; nor did He design men to be effeminate!

Yet, the pressure of our anything-goes, do-your-own-thing society is overpowering. Wimpy men and brash females are becoming more than simply “acceptable”—they’re becoming the norm. Many males have been persuaded to think that being macho or manly is inappropriate; instead, they’re told they should behave as overly sensitive, soft-spoken wallflowers! They have been told that it isn’t “politically correct” to be aggressive leaders anymore; some have been told to get in touch with their “feminine side.” These modern attitudes are dead wrong!

Understanding true masculinity is essential to lasting happiness and success as an adult male. In this article we’ll discuss four key attributes of real manhood.

Education

In order to develop through the teen years and fulfill your role as a man, you cannot neglect education.

Education is a vital tool for a masculine man with real goals and purpose. The Bible speaks highly of knowledge, understanding and wisdom. In fact, these things are considered more valuable than gold or precious gem stones!

A very fine biblical example of some young men who were well educated is Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The first chapter of the book of Daniel describes them as being knowledgeable in science, bilingual, mannerly and wise. Because they were well educated, they became successful, rich, powerful leaders in the ancient kingdom of Chaldea!

One of the greatest and most educated men of the 20th century was Herbert Armstrong, founder of three liberal arts colleges and president of the Ambassador International Cultural Foundation. During the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, Mr. Armstrong traveled the world on public-speaking tours, speaking to and motivating thousands; he even had private audiences with kings, emperors and presidents of many nations!

In his Autobiography, he defined education as having a scope far wider than just academic “head knowledge.” He wrote, “Education comes from study—from books—from lectures—from contacts—from travel—from thinking about what you see and hear and read—and from experience.”

You don’t necessarily need formalized training or a college degree to be highly educated. Some of the most successful men to ever walk this Earth were self-taught. They learned from their own daily experiences as well as the example of others around them. They read widely and thought deeply about the information they were exposed to.

Reading good autobiographies and biographies of great leaders will help mold and shape your mind in a masculine way. Some examples of men you might want to read about are: Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, Douglas MacArthur, George Patton, Herbert Armstrong and Winston Churchill. (A favorite book of mine, describing the early life of America’s first and perhaps greatest president, is The Making of George Washington, written by William Wilbur.)

The real foundation of any education, of course, is the Word of God. Don’t neglect to study the best textbook for living—the Bible! Read for yourself the laws, statutes and judgments contained therein—these are the principles that produce a real sense of fulfillment and true happiness as a man. Study the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes especially—they make excellent, inspiring and helpful reading, and they’re practical. Make it a goal to read a chapter a day out of the Bible.

Whether you attend public, private or home school, and no matter if you plan to attend a university or trade school, become interested and knowledgeable in what’s going on in the world around you—learn all you can. Understand the environment in which you live.

Physical Fitness

Education comes easier when you are in peak physical condition. Physical and mental fitness go together like a lock and key! A sluggish, weak body usually means a logged mind—a mind not as receptive to learning new things.

A masculine man is tough—his body is strong and elastic. Look around your school. Notice how many guys look unhealthy and weak. How many of them can do 20 chin-ups or 50 pushups or sit-ups? The shameful truth is, many have no interest in developing strength or athletic skills.

Your teenage years are prime physical years of your life. To be out of shape, skin and bones, chubby and fat or weak and effeminate is not true masculinity! A soft, flabby, degenerate body will surely detract from your manhood.

A good exercise program can help toughen your body. It’s not easy getting started—but a real man can see the benefit in taking care of his physical fitness and will push himself to exercise. He is able to put up with temporary pain and discomfort and is tough on himself.

Make it a habit to go to bed early and get up at a certain time in the morning. Force yourself to exercise at a set time, no matter how you feel. Don’t give in to tiredness. Most tiredness is in the mind. (Isn’t it amazing how much energy you can find when you’re having fun?)

Take part in vigorous physical activities such as hiking, swimming, cycling, even tennis. Team sports are especially important to participate in, if you can. They teach you government, teamwork, selflessness and leadership skills.

Although you may not be a star athlete, you can still take part in a variety of sports, athletics and exercise programs that will get and keep you in good physical condition. Not only will it reap immediate benefits, but also it will make you a more flexible, poised person.

One thing that will help motivate you to stick with a certain exercise regime is to choose physical activities that you enjoy. You’ll be more likely to push yourself to excel in this area if you like the sports or exercise programs you’re involved in. Even just going for a walk outdoors is better than wasting time on TV or video games.

Remember that you don’t have to be an Arnold Schwartzeneggar or Jean-Claude van Damme to develop masculine qualities. Every young man, however, can profit from sports, developing coordination and, through proper exercise, stimulate mental skills. You have to begin somewhere.

Realize that physical fitness is another key attribute of a successful, masculine man.

Work

There’s a proverb that says, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might …” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Unfortunately, too many young men in modern society simply haven’t been taught this principle when it comes to working. Having a good work ethic is essential to masculinity. Here’s where you can put your mental and physical muscles to use!

The Bible says that a truly masculine man provides for his family (1 Timothy 5:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). When you get out of your teens, you will have about 50 full years of work ahead of you as a man, a husband and a father. No matter what your career is during those years, early development of basic work skills will quickly pay off.

Prepare yourself for success by working hard at whatever task you undertake. Skills and good work habits are developed even by doing chores around the home and can be helpful in finding and keeping part-time jobs. Most teens should try to acquire at least a summer job, especially after age 16. Having a part-time job and learning to pay your own way will help develop your independence as a masculine male teenager.

Of course, you should have a specific career goal as well. Many of you will receive university or vocational training. As you seek a career path, however, you may choose not to attend an institution of higher learning. Perhaps your talents and interests will lead you to obtain an education through practical, hands-on experience. You might have the opportunity to work on a farm or apprentice yourself to a carpenter, plumber or electrician.

In any case, you would do well to take an aptitude test to determine where your strengths and abilities lie. Since you could be spending about two thirds to three quarters of your life working at this profession, it might as well be one you enjoy. Most high schools and colleges offer free job-placement testing; and most libraries have guidebooks on how to educate yourself toward a career.

It’s important to be decisive and think about career options early in life. The older you get, the harder it is to change careers.

No matter what your job is, work at it to the best of your ability. Resist the temptation to “take it easy.” Never lose sight of where you’re headed. Keep your eyes fixed on your goal; only then will you be driven to never give up, even when times get tough. Realize that a truly masculine man is not lazy, shiftless, or idle—rather, he labors with all his might!

Character

Someone once described a real man as “a steel hand in a velvet glove.” A masculine man sets his mind to attain the steel qualities of sound character, rock-solid confidence and strength. He is an unselfish, stable, dominant (although not domineering) and decisive leader. Yet, he is unafraid to develop the velvet traits of humility, attentiveness, gentleness and refinement. In short, a masculine man strives to live as Jesus Christ did!

True masculinity starts in the mind. It requires, above all, a balanced perspective on life. A positive, upbeat outlook is the first thing you notice in a truly masculine guy. He has a “can do” attitude and is eager to accept challenges and responsibility. He is not egotistical or arrogant—yet, he doesn’t put himself down or worry about what others think of him.

A real man allows God to use and develop what talents he has been given, not coveting or envying those with different abilities. He cheerfully refuses to compare or judge his worth by the accomplishments or positions of others.

This attitude of balance combined with acceptance of your circumstances will forge strength of character. It will pump your mental “biceps” and add joy to your life. With God as the focus of your life, you will find a new kind of self-respect. Far from being based on human abilities, this new godly self-respect arises from the knowledge that a Christian “can do all things through Christ” (Philippians 4:13). This knowledge, coupled with experience and practice, gradually replaces the negative, non-masculine traits of needless fear, painful inferiority complexes and envy.

The masculine man knows how to express both joy and pain. Know this: Real men do cry—when it is appropriate to do so. They don’t hide their emotions like the stereotypical “strong, silent types” do, but control their tempers and are skilled in the art of diplomacy.

A real man has strong conviction, which produces a non-compromising attitude. He can take correction but is not destroyed by criticism. A masculine guy doesn’t cave in under stress and pressure. He has the “guts” and mental fortitude to abstain from drunkenness, premarital sex, illicit drug use and the sundry other vices that tempt him.

A real man faces challenges straight on and is alert to new opportunities. People around him sense a winning spirit of right leadership.

You can begin developing and exercising these masculine traits now! You can look to the Bible, God’s inspired instruction manual for right living, and discover real men who had the courage to make history!

Now is the time to strengthen yourself in the gym of life by applying these four points. Examining these areas will help in building a solid foundation for real success as you take your place in society, accepting the challenge and responsibility inherent in true manhood.

Life itself is a tremendous responsibility. To find the real purpose is an obligation every male has. Don’t be satisfied to sit back and be weak or effeminate—set your course; be a man!