Today’s men are an odd bunch. Some men manifest an amusing pseudo-machoism while simultaneously acting out a fickle, schmoozy form of Hallmark-card caring, flavored, of course, by the prevailing politically correct winds. Many politicians fall in this camp. Justifiably, some revolt against this schizophrenic view of “manhood.” But there is another side of the horse. That would be the adventurers, who react to the first group by donning pith hat and compass to head into the untamed yonder in search of what still remains wild in the world. These men would have us believe they are embracing true manhood, that there is a life of adventure “out there somewhere” and now is the time to find it. As a pastor, I find problems with both extremes, as they don’t fit the model given in Scripture for what makes “the man.”
Thus, I was more than pleased to read Rev. Richard Phillips book The Masculine Mandate. This rather concise, but, insightful work, directly confronts both positions, and lays out a solidly biblical position for true manhood.
Phillips divided the book into two sections. The first five chapters lay out a theological definition for manhood based solidly on the Creation account. The final eight chapters discuss manhood as it applies to marriage, parenting, friendship, and the church.
The basic premise of the book is that God has designed men to be those who “work” and “keep.” That is, we are designed to make things grow, to make things work, to build, to nurture, and to cultivate. And we are designed to protect and sustain the progress we have achieved. This is a great call to action, service, and leadership; and it carries on from cover to cover.
I especially appreciated Phillip’s views on marriage and child training. For instance, Phillips points out that many men embrace the call of Ephesians 5 to love their wives as Christ loves the church, even to the point of dying for them should someone threaten them with violence. Yet, how many men look in the mirror and see in their reflection a man who daily assaults the wife of his youth through his own anger, careless words, or lack of love?
Phillips beautifully portrays the unique wonder of woman, pointing out her incredible complexities–complexities that are often beyond comprehension. Of course, with this realization, marriage should never get boring or stale. This was wonderful insight.
I was also encouraged to read Phillips call for young men to get married. Far too many young men are delaying marriage, chasing off in the brush rather than taking on the joyful adventure of wife and children. This is a charge that needs to be repeated in both books and from pulpits.
And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” (Genesis 2:18)
A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment. (Prov 18:1)
God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land. (Psalm 68:6)
Although Phillips only provided two chapters on child training, they were solid. He balances discipline with discipleship, again reflecting on a man’s call to work and to keep. Phillips encourages fathers to read God’s Word to their children, to pray with and for them. He describes how he disciples, works alongside, and plays joyfully with his own children. Phillips is a man who walks the walk. He knows his garden and is determined to glorify the Lord as he manages it under God’s leadership.
The chapters on men and friendships and men in the church are also well done. Phillips points out that true friends are those who encourage one another’s faith and trust in Jesus—and how we need friends like this today. He correctly shares how the qualifications for church office given in 1 Timothy 3 should be the goal of any man who claims Jesus as Lord.
The final chapter focuses on man’s call to serve others. This is an important point to learn for anyone seeking to grow in the service of the Lord. Using the life of John the Baptist as an example, Phillips defines biblical calling, joy, and humility in a way that punctures a hole in the selfish ambition, jealousy, and pride that seem to be ever present in the hearts of even Christian men today. Phillips helps us to see that it is God who calls, it is God who gifts, and it is God who sustains us in our walk before Him.
This is a book that calls men to man up. I felt myself saying time and again, “Amen!” I think you will too.
One area where I felt this book could have been better was in a more consistent application of the work and keep model. In addition, I was looking for a few more chapters—perhaps a a discussion in the social or occupational realm for Christian men. That said, I will heartily recommend this resource as a powerful foundational book on manhood. I actually plan to use it over the next few months as a resource for our Psalm 112 group.
My grade for The Masculine Mandate: A-
The Masculine Mandate
Rev. Richard D. Phillips
Reformation Trust Publishing (January 29, 2010)
And to make it legal, the opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the other elders or members of Providence Church.
