Rise Up: A Call for Men of God

If you ask 100 people if they feel safe in our culture I would venture to guess that an overwhelming majority of them would say no. We all feel it, that rising level of trepidation that things have gone off the rails and evil seems to be on the rise. In times like these what are we to do? Well, there are many answers to that question, but I think it is imperative in times like these for Godly men to step up and lead. This isn't about becoming "alpha males" or dominating others. Rather, it's about stepping into the calling that God has placed on men's lives...to be led by Him, to set a spiritual tone, and to be giants of faith in their homes and communities.

The current state of our culture is a stark reminder of how far we've strayed from God's design. As 2 Timothy 3:1-5 warns us, we're living in times where people are "lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, inappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God." This description hits uncomfortably close to home when we look at the world around us. But there's hope. God is calling men to stand up and be counted, to reject the lies of the world and embrace their true identity in Christ.

This starts with understanding that men of God are led by God. Psalm 37:23-24 reminds us, "The steps of a man are established by the Lord when He delights in His way. Though he fall, he should not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds His hands." Men, your strength comes from your relationship with the Almighty and not from yourselves. It's time to cast aside the notion that faith is for women and children, and to pursue God with all your heart, mind, and soul.

Men of God are also called to set a spiritual tone. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 exhorts, "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." This isn't a call to aggression or dominance, but to vigilance, steadfastness, and mature faith. It's about being aware of the spiritual battles around us and leading the charge in protecting our families and communities. It's about setting an example of what it truly means to follow Jesus. Perhaps most critically, men are called to be spiritual giants in their homes. This doesn't mean lording over your family, but rather serving them sacrificially, as Christ served the church. It means being present, engaged, and actively involved in nurturing your wife and children's faith. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." Men, your family should be able to look to you as an example of what it means to live for Jesus.

The impact of a father's faith on his family cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that when a father attends church regularly, regardless of the mother's attendance, between two-thirds and three-quarters of their children will attend church as adults. When a father is the first in a household to become a Christian, there's a 93% probability that everyone else in the house will follow. These statistics underscore the crucial role men play in shaping the spiritual landscape of their homes and, by extension, society. But let's be honest...this calling isn't easy. It requires sacrifice, surrender, and a willingness to do things God's way rather than our own. It means rejecting the world's definition of manhood and embracing God's. It means being the greatest servant in your home, setting an example of Christ-like love and leadership.

For too long, many men have resigned their posts as spiritual leaders, leaving a void that has contributed to the moral decay we see around us. It's time to reclaim that role, to rise up and be the men God has called us to be. This isn't about perfection because let's face it, we all fall short, but it is about persistence, about getting back up when we fall and continuing to pursue God with all our hearts.

To the men reading this: Are you ready to answer this call? Are you willing to step up and be a man of faith, a spiritual giant in your home? Are you prepared to set an example worth following, to be an imitator of Christ?

To the women: Will you support and encourage the men in your life as they strive to fulfill this calling? Will you pray for them, challenge them, and partner with them in pursuing God?

And to everyone: Let's recognize that this isn't just about men. It's about all of us rising up to be who God has called us to be. It's about creating a community of faith where everyone, including men, women, and children, can thrive and grow in their relationship with God.

The world desperately needs men of faith who are willing to stand up and be counted. Who are willing to be salt and light in a world that's losing its flavor and descending into darkness. Who are willing to reject the lies of the enemy and embrace the truth of who God has called them to be. So let's rise up. Let's be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act with maturity, and be strong. Let's do everything in love. Let's be imitators of Christ, setting an example for our families and communities. Let's be the change we want to see in the world, starting in our own homes and hearts.

The call has been issued. The need is clear. The time is now. Will you answer? Will you rise up?