Manhood & The Glory of Danger
Last year I was invited to a lake in Montana. Stunning surroundings, breathtaking views. While we were out on a boat, several of the guys were cliff jumping. I was invited to join in, but I declined the offer. I don’t think it was really fear, but rather a numb feeling of disinterest. The fellas did it, I clapped, and we went on our way. Now, looking back, I wish I had done it. Why? Because I need to take more opportunities to do something dangerous.
God created the masculine heart to be wild, free, and bold. Too many guys are busy trying to arrange life in a way that cancels out all risk, all danger, in order to play it safe. But the masculine soul was not created to play it safe. There is a particular glory in danger that men ought to seek with all their heart.
Now, before we get off course, let me explain what I mean by dangerous. The modern word danger has lost its meaning. Danger has two possible meanings. One would be treacherous, unhealthy, inconsistent and abusive behavior or situations. That’s not the kind of dangerous man I’m talking about - that’s a bully or a coward. The other meaning of dangerous is being a risk-taker, adventurous, courageous. That’s what I mean by dangerous. And, I’ve chosen that word precisely because it is jarring – it makes us squint our eyes and say, Danger? A good thing?
The reason for using this word is that men in the American church are facing an identity crisis, where we are, among other things, abandoning our mandate to seek danger, to forsake adventure. The willingness to fight for truth, the willingness to get out of our comfort zone and the desire to follow Christ no matter what the cost, has greatly been set aside.
In short, we have bought into the idea that guys are just supposed to be nice, polite, obedient, frankly boring, who don’t take risks, don’t rock the boat.
The desire for safety and wanting nobody to get hurt is out of control. From politics, to education, to even the homes. We see this in a whole generation of young people. They get offended at the drop of a hat and men, especially, avoid anything that might single then out as ‘dangerous’ or someone who just might make others uncomfortable.
As followers of Christ, and as men, out task is not to be jerks and not to be abusive, but it IS to be strong, to be firm, and to live life knowing we are going to get hit, and that’s good. It’s GOOD to live in a world of risk where you might fail. I heard recently that fewer young women are being asked out by guys face to face. Instead they text, or have a friend of theirs ask them out for them over social media.
Why is that? Well, what is every guy’s greatest fear? The fear of failure. Do I have what it takes? Too many guys have bought into the belief that they don’t have what it takes, that the only way to live is to eliminate risk or the possibility of failure. But It’s good to live in world of risk, it’s good to face situations where she might say no, the boss might say “what were you thinking?”, and you yourself might think, well, that’s didn’t work out.
Because if you live in such a way where you are courageous and willing to be tested, she might say yes, and it might make you look very attractive. The boss might be very impressed. It’s GOOD to live in that world, it’s GOOD to live for something greater than yourself, even if it cost you your own safety and security. Danger, in that sense, is good. And not only is it good, it’s glorious. It reveals the heart of God, which the masculine soul reflects.
At this point someone might think, wait a minute, timeout, I thought Christians are supposed to be people who love. Aren’t we supposed to be known by our love? Well, yes. The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, goodness, faithfulness. Where’s the danger or masculinity in that?
It’s true that men ought to be loving, caring, and gentle. But that’s NOT the whole picture. Don’t reduce your life to just that. Saying that a man of God ought to be defined by his politeness and kindness is like saying a soldier is someone who’s really good at making their beds and ironing their shirts.
No. Soldiers who sign up, who risk it all, who learn to fight do so out of the motivation of love. You cannot love someone or something without being willing to die for it. Paul says in Ephesians for husbands to love their wives - plain enough right? Doesn’t that mean buy her flowers, take her out to eat, make love occasionally, and kiss her on the cheek on your way to work? Paul says, husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church who gave His life for it. THAT’S what true love looks like.
Even good-hearted men can fall prey to giving the Enemy exactly what he wants. The Enemy of your soul wants you to be spineless, to stand down and to let him have his way.
We think this world is safe and secure, and yet there are enemies in this world who do not fear God and who are coming for everything you love and hold dear. You better be ready.
Now, lest you think I’m putting us men on a guilt trip, let me encourage you. Here’s the good news in all this - the battle to which you are called is already won. This war is over. When Jesus rose from the grave and declared universal victory, the battle was over. He’s on his throne, and he’s the King of kings. Heaven and earth are his. And if we are God’s sons, we have the inheritance of the King. What does that mean? It means you’re not fighting a battle that depends on you, your strength, or your courage. He’s already won, and his strength will be your strength. And because of that, who are what are you afraid of?
Go after God and be dangerous.
- Jonathan Yandell