Strength with Purpose: A Man’s Role in God’s Kingdom
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. —1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (NKJV)
It’s like a warrior’s creed, a call all men are meant to answer. In battle, we easily grasp what this verse signifies. Picture soldiers standing guard against the enemy, their muscles bulging outside their armor. They are ready to defend and overpower at any moment.
But Paul is not addressing soldiers at war, he is encouraging men of faith—ordinary men like you and me. Paul is telling us to be strong, brave, and to stand firm in our faith in God. He is also urging us to do this with love. While being strong is valuable, we gain access to God's gifts of physical and inner strength through faith, and both are essential.
I enjoy working out and getting stronger. When I go too long without exercising, my body is more prone to injury. I like to be strong so I can play well with my kids and help around the house without hurting myself or tiring out too quickly. Physical strength matters, but I believe inner strength is even more important. Paul explains it this way: “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things”. (1 Tim. 8:4)
As a child, I was often called a coward for not wanting to break the rules or do what I knew was wrong. As I’ve grown older and become a Christian, I’ve realized it takes much more strength and courage to do the right thing despite opposition.
Who do you want to become?
We can give in to the ways of the world or do what it takes to be a godly man. If we want to be godly men, we are choosing a life that will require inner strength, bravery, and steadfast faith. As a former atheist, I have debated many atheists and people with different religious views. I’ve learned that it is easy to get swept up in winning the arguments; however, we will never lead anyone to Jesus by belittling them or trying to prove them wrong. I was missing two key components in my arguments: love and respect.
“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2). Love must be the driving force behind everything we do. We should love our families, friends, coworkers, and enemies (Matthew 5:44).
You might be wondering, How strong and steadfast in faith do I need to be to love my enemies? Strength like that comes from God (Psalm 46:1; Philippians 4:13). God gives us His strength when we are weak (2 Corinthians 12:9).
As men, we are called to be strong and courageous, and to do so with love.
What does this look like at home, in the workplace, or in the midst of the chaos happening in the world? First Corinthians 16:13 teaches us to “be brave,” often translated as “act like a man.” Biblical manhood isn’t about dominance or control, it’s about standing firm in faith, leading with love, and using our strength for the right purpose. To be godly men, we must put in effort, humble ourselves, and love others—even when it’s difficult.
How can you respond with a more loving response when you feel attacked?
How can you respond more lovingly to your family?
What are some ways you can teach your children about God and how to be godly men—and women (Proverbs 22:6)? The church is a wonderful place to bring your family, but there are actions we should take as men in our homes to guide and train our children. Let’s step up, using our strength and courage to love others and especially our families.
If this encouraged you, check out more articles from our Flatirons Spiritual Formation Team for practical tools, encouragement, and ways to grow in your faith and leadership. Click here.