This past weekend, I joined a group of incredible men at a Fellowship Church retreat at the Sky Ute Ranch near Powderhorn, Colorado. Men’s retreats are special because they provide a chance to escape the noise of everyday life and reflect on who we are and who God is calling us to be. This retreat wasn’t just about reflection; it was about action. It was about stepping into the kind of life God designed for us as men: bold, faithful, loving, and courageous.
One lesson that profoundly shaped my perspective was “Act Like a Man.” The phrase might sound straightforward, but the truths behind it are powerful and deeply challenging. It wasn’t about meeting cultural expectations or trying to fit into a worldly mold of masculinity. It was about looking to Scripture to understand what God says it means to be a man.
I was reminded that Godly manhood is more than strength or success through passages like 1 Kings 2:1-4, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, and Joshua 1:9. It’s about courage rooted in faith, leadership shaped by love, and strength forged in obedience to God.
As I absorbed these truths, I realized how much our world, families, and communities need men who embody biblical masculinity. If you’re reading this, I believe you’re one of those men who wants to lead well, love deeply, and live purposefully. Let’s explore what God taught me and how these lessons can transform your life, family, and legacy.
What It Means to “Act Like a Man”
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” – 1 Corinthians 16:13
This verse from Paul to the Corinthian church became a centerpiece of our discussions during the retreat. It’s a clear and direct call to action. But what does it mean to “act like a man” in God’s eyes?
In the original Greek, “act like men” (andrizesthe) is a call to courage and maturity. It’s not about physical strength or bravado; it’s about taking responsibility, standing firm in the truth, and being ready to lead with integrity. It’s about choosing faith over fear and purpose over passivity.
This hit me hard as I considered my roles in life: husband, father, entrepreneur, and leader. Acting like a man in a biblical sense means intentionally stepping into those roles, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. It means standing up for what is right, being a protector and provider, and doing all of it with a foundation of faith.
For you, it might mean stepping up to lead your family in prayer, addressing a conflict you’ve been avoiding, or mentoring someone who needs guidance. Acting like a man isn’t passive—it’s an active, courageous response to God’s call.
Strength and Courage Are Commands, Not Suggestions
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” – Joshua 1:9
One of the most memorable parts of the retreat was reflecting on God’s words to Joshua. Strength and courage aren’t optional—they’re commands.
Joshua was stepping into a monumental task: leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. He wasn’t just taking on leadership; he was stepping into battles, leading sometimes rebellious people, and filling the shoes of Moses. It’s no wonder God told him to be strong and courageous—not once, but multiple times.
What struck me is that God didn’t tell Joshua to rely on his own strength. Instead, He promised, “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” That same promise applies to us today. Whether navigating challenges in our marriages, leading our businesses with integrity, or making difficult decisions, God calls us to strength and courage—not because we’re capable, but because He is with us.
This experience changed the way I think about courage. Courage is not about ignoring fear or pretending to be invincible. It’s about trusting that God is bigger than whatever I’m facing.
Action Step: Identify a fear or challenge you’ve been avoiding. Write it down, pray, and ask God for the courage to face it head-on. Remember that your strength comes from Him, not from yourself.
Obedience Is the Key to Lasting Strength
“So be strong, act like a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands” – 1 Kings 2:2-3
This verse stuck with me during the retreat. Picture King David on his deathbed, speaking to his son Solomon. These are his final words—the wisdom he wants to pass down to the next generation. What does he say? “Be strong, act like a man, and walk in obedience.”
David understood something profound: true strength comes from obedience to God. Solomon wouldn’t succeed as king because of his wealth, wisdom, or military might. His success and legacy would depend on whether he obeyed God’s commands.
Reflecting on this, I realized how much of my life is shaped by my willingness to obey God. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to achieve success, provide for my family, or make an impact, but none matters if I’m not walking in obedience. Strength without submission to God is empty.
Action Step: Ask yourself, “Am I walking in obedience to God in every area of my life?” Take the first step toward surrender today if there’s a part of your life where you’ve been resisting God—whether it’s in your finances, relationships, or habits.
Love Makes Strength Worthwhile
“Let all that you do be done in love” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
After discussing courage and strength, Paul adds this final reminder: everything must be done in love. Without love, strength becomes harsh, and courage becomes reckless.
As men, we’re called to lead with love, not out of obligation but a genuine desire to serve and bless others. Jesus modeled this perfectly. He was the strongest, most courageous man who ever lived, but everything He did—every miracle, every teaching, and even His sacrifice on the cross—was motivated by love.
This challenged me to think about how I lead in my own life. Am I showing my wife and kids love in the way I lead? Am I patient, kind, and encouraging, even when life gets stressful? Am I reflecting Christ’s love in how I interact with others, whether at work, in church, or in my community?
Action Step: Identify one relationship in which you can show more intentional love. Maybe it’s spending extra time with your kids, encouraging your wife, or reaching out to someone who’s struggling. Lead with love, and let that love reflect Christ.
Building a Legacy of Faith
“If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me… you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel” – 1 Kings 2:4
One of the most powerful takeaways from the retreat was the reminder that our obedience affects us and shapes the generations that follow us. David’s charge to Solomon was about his reign as king and the legacy he would leave behind.
We can leave a lasting impact as fathers, husbands, and leaders. Our choices today will ripple through the lives of our children, grandchildren, and beyond. Obedience to God creates a foundation for our families to thrive spiritually.
Action Step: Take time this week to pray with your family. Share a verse or truth from God’s Word, and talk about how it applies to your life as a family. Make it a habit to lead spiritually, even in small ways.
How This Can Transform Your Life
This lesson wasn’t theoretical—it was life-changing. To “act like a man” in the biblical sense means stepping into the roles God has given us with courage, strength, love, and obedience. It means living with purpose, leading with integrity, and trusting God in every part of our lives.
The world needs godly men. Your family, your business, and your community need you. When we rise to the call of biblical masculinity, we don’t just change our own lives—we create a ripple effect that impacts everyone around us.
God is calling you to act like a man—not according to the world’s standards but according to His. Will you step into that calling today?
Action Step: Implement one truth from this lesson this week. Whether it’s showing love, standing firm, or leading in obedience, decide to live out your faith intentionally.
God has given us everything we need to lead well, love deeply, and leave a meaningful legacy. Let’s answer His call and live lives that glorify Him.
