What’s Up, Men? A Personal Call to Action for Men in Faith | Pr. Ribi Kenneth, UAE

Imagine you’re at the helm of a ship amid a violent storm, with the surging sea threatening to swallow everything in sight. In the midst of chaos, a lighthouse stands strong, its steady light penetrating through the darkness and leading sailors to safety. This lighthouse, a beacon of hope and direction, depicts the burden placed on every one of us as men of faith. However, just as the lighthouse keeper must fight the storm to fulfil his duty, we are also asked to accept our obligations with courage and conviction.

But amid the currents of modernity, men’s roles have frequently been blurred, often confused by societal pressures and altering cultural standards, resulting in personal trauma that affects self-worth and sense of identity. However, in the middle of the cacophony and confusion, it is critical that we as men recover our God-given mandate and embrace our roles clearly and purposefully.

Thus, I would suggest that we progress in three levels and do a self-reflection and self-assessment of where we stand, and steer the ship to the secure shores of reality.

1. Know That You are Responsible

First and foremost, it’s crucial to acknowledge our responsibility without being swayed by voices that seek to diminish traditional roles. This entails recognizing the unique roles assigned to us by God and understanding the accountability that comes with them.

It’s important to recognize that God is exclusively referred to as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, not Sarah, Rebecca, or Rachel. Similarly, understanding Adam’s initial creation and placement in the Garden of Eden, while also accounting him with the roles and actions of others, is of significant importance. Despite these references sometimes being perceived as reflections of outdated patriarchal norms, it’s worth noting that the Trinity in the Godhead comprises all males, and subsequently, Adam was formed first. This underscores the unique roles men play in God’s plan.

It’s equally crucial to uphold principles of equality and mutual respect alongside recognizing these distinct roles. Accountability goes beyond mere acknowledgement; it requires adopting a serving attitude rather than a dominant authoritarian one. Just as Jesus exemplified servant leadership, men are called to lead by serving others, nurturing and uplifting them with humility and sacrificial love.

This requires prioritizing the welfare of women and treating all individuals equally, irrespective of gender or social status. Biblically, men are directed that their prayers will be hindered if they are not considerate to their wives, and they are mandated not to exasperate their children. Therefore, servant leadership encompasses striving for equality by embracing a servant attitude and serving with humility.

For me, this realization came with a deep sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to honour God in all areas of my life. Understanding that God has entrusted me with a sacred task to lead, to serve, and to make a difference in the world around me has been both humbling and empowering.

2. Know Your Responsibility

Delving deeper into our responsibilities as men, we find ourselves navigating through various spheres of life, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

Virtuous and Ethical Living: Our responsibility extends to living according to God’s commandments and principles. This involves walking in righteousness, acting justly, and humbling ourselves before our Creator.

Family Obligations: As men, we are tasked with loving and caring for our families, including our spouses and children. This goes beyond mere provision to encompass nurturing and cherishing our loved ones with the sacrificial love of Christ.

Work as Sacred: Our responsibility also extends to our work and endeavours. As men of faith, we are called to work diligently and with integrity, recognizing that our labour is ultimately unto the Lord. This has been a guiding principle in my career, motivating me to approach my work as part of my spiritual accountability, knowing my work has an eternal purpose.

Stewardship of Creation: This is often overlooked, but God has entrusted us with the care and management of His creation, calling us to be good stewards of the earth. This responsibility should lead us to adopt more sustainable practices in our daily lives as humans, seeking to minimize our environmental footprint and preserve God’s creation for future generations.

Accountability to God: Ultimately, our responsibility as men is to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and live in reverence and obedience to Him. This entails recognizing that we will all give an account of ourselves to God and striving to live our lives in a manner that honours Him in all that we do.

3. Know Your Response

Recognising our responsibilities is simply the beginning; we must also take decisive steps to fulfil them. This necessitates courage, persistence, and a desire to venture outside of our comfort zones. Drawing inspiration from biblical models such as Nehemiah, who remained strong in his goal despite criticism and ridicule, we are encouraged to lead with humility and compassion, loving and selflessly serving others.

For me, this has meant stepping out of my comfort zone and taking on leadership roles within my church and community. It has also involved seeking out opportunities to serve others, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or simply lending a listening ear to those in need.

Finally, embracing responsibility as men of faith is not just a duty, but a privilege and an honour bestowed upon us by our Creator. Hence, I challenge you, my brothers, to embrace this call with resolute determination, rising above the noise and the world. Let us lead with courage and humility and extend the same love and compassion to others that Christ has shown us. True greatness, as the apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, lies not in power or prestige, but in faithful stewardship of the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to us.

Today, the voice of urgency is calling out to each of us – “What’s up, men?” Will you answer the mandate and rise to the occasion?