Men and the Spirit of the Times
Something went awry. After years of being labeled as toxic and problematic, many men seem to be retreating in response to societal pressures. They’ve internalized these harsh labels, perhaps feeling like they have no other choice.
Passive living often leads to accepting false narratives.
Some men push back by embracing the idea of their own “toxicity” and the ideologies imposed on them.
In today’s climate, it’s tempting for men to adopt a passive stance. This isn’t a new dilemma; it mirrors the same struggle that Adam faced in the garden. Passivity can be a dangerous surrender to negativity, often manifested through inaction. It reflects a certain submission of the soul.
Passive individuals don’t oppose wrongdoing; they defer to it and lack conviction in their beliefs.
Even when acting against the prevailing mindset, men may find themselves being passive, allowing others to dictate the terms. Often, this manifests as a feigned niceness—like a dog retreating with its tail between its legs. Such a man tends to be agreeable, keeping a low profile. He would rather avoid confrontation, even if it means compromising his own stance.
In contrast, those who resist passivity are frequently labeled as arrogant. Such a person might be seen as having an inflated self-image.
However, it’s important to clarify that the true opposite of passivity isn’t arrogance; it’s agency.
We need individuals who can act and take the initiative to effect change. Agencies are becoming accountable, pushing forward despite resistance. As noted in James 2:17, “Faith without works is dead.”
Two primary barriers can hinder Christian men from taking responsibility.
First, the notion that control is a dangerous idol is prevalent. Many Christians, including men, learn that striving for self-control equates to a lack of faith in God. This idea is echoed by Pastor Eric Geiger, who identifies “control” as a primary idol in the church, seeing it as the desire for things to unfold according to one’s plan. It’s almost shocking to think that wanting things to align with a plan could be viewed in a negative light.
Second, there’s a belief that power is inherently bad. Accumulating or sharing power is deemed harmful. Geiger suggests that power, defined as a yearning for influence and recognition, is another root idol to be repented of.
Both of these misconceptions are not biblically grounded, but rather stem from a distorted worldview that desires Christians to remain powerless.
Can Christians idolize power? Absolutely. Can they idolize control? Yes. But when these leaders speak out, they often lack nuance. They dismiss power and control, failing to recognize how essential they are for exercising agency.
Those who possess a strong sense of agency understand their capabilities and know how to harness them effectively. On the flip side, individuals with low agency often stand idly by, acting as if they lack control.
Sadly, many churches today exhibit low levels of agency, often framed as pure trust in God when, in truth, it might be giving up personal control.
A lot of the anxiety, depression, and discontent we witness today stems from this sense of powerlessness. It’s a mindset that yields to challenges rather than confronting them. Passive people often give up easily, drawn into the culture of consumerism that promotes quick fixes.
By living passively, individuals surrender to the lie that they are stuck and unable to change. This makes them easy targets for control, as they seek external influences to resolve their problems.
This is especially relevant in Christianity. We uphold both divine providence and human responsibility. We are called to love Jesus through obedience, strive for righteousness, and combat our flaws. Faith in God should inspire courage, never doubt His goodness.
Agency works alongside divine providence, guiding our faith journey. It’s like being on the road, where we need to actively drive forward.
God may indeed give us more than we feel we can handle; His generosity often exceeds our limitations. In moments of feeling overwhelmed, He beckons us to act and trust Him. When situations stray from our plans, we find reassurance in trusting God’s complete control.
Men today must cultivate both power and self-control. Mastery of oneself paves the way for true worship of Jesus. The Spirit empowers us to discipline and utilize our bodies effectively for His glory.
A common pitfall into passivity is waiting for the perfect moment to act. Spoiler alert: that moment may never come. For instance, if a man desires marriage, he shouldn’t just wait passively for a bride to appear; he should actively seek connection.
A negative outlook often fosters a victim mentality. Jealousy and resentment can arise when others appear to possess control. Anxiety may grip someone worried about failure or misfortune. In contrast, an agent embraces divine providence, assesses available options, and seeks solutions.
During anxious times, embracing agency is crucial.
Agency aligns substantially with God’s providence and the faith journey. We’re driving on a road, encouraged to accelerate (and brake when necessary).
Men displaying independence today will likely be misinterpreted, labeled as proud or power-hungry. Yet, these assumptions may not reflect reality—they often mirror the reactions to strong individuals in a passive era.
The strong men we need today are those who take initiative, accept responsibility, and resist evil. They are individuals with a high degree of independence.
