Day 1: pullups, pushups, two-arm rows, dumbbell rows and Swiss ball hyperextensions. Day 2: barbell bench presses, incline dumbbell bench presses, chest presses, weighted dips and cable flys. Day 3: back squats, leg presses, walking lunges, single-leg curls and standing calf raises.

This is only a small preview of actor Chris Hemsworth’s workout to play Marvel superhero Thor, as published in Muscle and Fitness magazine. The article explained: “Hemsworth hit the gym with trainer and former Navy SEAL Duffy Gaver, who applied an old-school bodybuilding approach—with careful attention given to Hemsworth’s arms and shoulders…All told, Hemsworth gained 20 pounds, laying the foundation for a physique he’s maintained at or close to peak condition for Thor’s recurring role…”

Mr. Hemsworth’s dedication produced a ripped physique worthy of the fictional thunder god, as seen in the workout clips he shared on Instagram and in his high-grossing films.

Something like the above might come to mind when you think of masculinity. That kind of commitment to physical strength and fitness is definitely impressive, yet is that all there is to being a man?

Trends have changed since we first began publishing Ambassador Youth back in 2003. Then, the common view of a masculine man was along these lines—the macho action-hero type. This is still a popular view, but now there are also male archetypes who are less athletic, more sensitive and tend to take a backseat to women.

More than ever, there are differing schools of thought as to what makes a manly appearance and what mannerisms and behaviors a man should emulate. You can probably think of certain male celebrities who wear gender-neutral clothing, with others going as far as wearing women’s clothes and makeup.

Terms such as toxic masculinity and gender equality are thrown around in the news. Some online influencers espouse what appears to be a more traditional view of manhood, but their content often comes with an emphasis on material wealth and undertones of misogyny.

It can be hard in today’s world to pin down what masculinity really is. As a young man in the Church, however, you have an advantage your peers do not. You have a perfect resource for knowing your gender role: the Bible.

At the very beginning, God created men and women (Gen. 1:27) and designed them with unique characteristics. Scripture reveals timeless principles you can apply to be the man He wants you to be.

What Kind of Strength?

Near the end of his life, King David gave his son Solomon a charge. He said, “I go the way of all the earth: be you strong therefore, and show yourself a man” (I Kgs. 2:2).

Solomon’s embrace of his masculine role was so important that David addressed this first, before other matters pertaining to ruling Israel. Clearly, David understood God’s view of masculinity and had been teaching this to Solomon from birth. Almost certainly, this was not the first time David had mentioned this to his son.

The lives and writings of these two Bible greats, and others, can educate us on manhood.

Proverbs 20:29, written by Solomon, is one of the most frequently referenced Bible verses about masculinity: “The glory of young men is their strength.” We quote it to emphasize that young men should exercise and be physically fit. Men are designed by God to be physically stronger than women (I Pet. 3:7).

While you do not need to become a bodybuilder or action hero, you should lean on this advantage and cultivate it through activities like sports, aerobics and weight training.

However, this verse presents a more nuanced view of strength than meets the eye. According to Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word here for “glory” means ornament, beauty and honor. If you are physically strong, wonderful—but this is only an ornament of being a man. An ornament is not foundational, but rather something that accentuates—think of a lawn ornament or a hood ornament. The foundation upon which this ornament is placed is a different kind of strength.

The word “strong” David used in I Kings 2 illustrates this. It is more expansive than the word for physical strength in Proverbs 20. It means to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, be courageous, be firm and be resolute (Outline of Biblical Usage). This all speaks to the strength of your character. A man shows strength, courage and firmness through all the challenges of life.

Put simply: Being physically strong is far from all it takes to be a man.

Verses in the New Testament expand on what strong character looks like. The apostle Paul wrote: “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:6-8). Each word here could be a personal Bible study for you.

Paul told Timothy, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better” (I Tim. 4:8, New Living Translation).

Of course, having strong character is not unique to men. Women must grow to be spiritually strong too. Yet it is a critical foundation on which other areas of manhood must be built.

Drive

One lesson we can take from Solomon’s life is this: A godly man is ambitious. He does not wait for good things to happen to him—he works to develop himself. In Proverbs 1:5, the king wrote, “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.” In Ecclesiastes, he added, “Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (9:10).

You may not yet have found what you want to do for your long-term career. But every aspect of your life, whether you are gearing up to be a freshman in high school or preparing for your first year in college, offers opportunities to “increase learning” and exert your “might” for maximum benefit.

What are your interests? Are they contributing to your personal development as a man or distracting you from it? While we all need time to relax and recharge, be honest with yourself. Despite all the benefits of technology, it has never been easier to waste time than today, so we must be on guard (Eph. 5:16).

Things such as learning how a car works, trying your hand at basic woodworking, reading a book about public speaking, taking up an instrument, and many other pursuits, can plant seeds that blossom into profitable skills later in life. These can come in handy when you need a job, are presented with an opportunity to serve someone in need, or simply want to share an interesting experience with a lady on a date. Take time to research the skills you want to build. Talk about your aspirations with others. Discuss these things with your dad and other adults you respect and ask how they became successes in life.

Do not underestimate what is possible for a godly man. Yes, Solomon received a special gift of wisdom from God, but that same wisdom is available to you today. Read James 1:5.

It is wise to gain basic proficiency in skills people associate with men such as yard work, home repairs, lifting heavy objects, splitting firewood and grilling a steak. These become great ways to serve others.

Do not be afraid to also learn things people tend to associate more with women: sewing a button, cooking a meal, planting a flower garden, etc. While your wife will one day help you with things that are not your natural strengths, being well-rounded in the meantime will only help. Also, keep in mind that your wife will not be your maid or your mother. She will appreciate you pitching in and helping in areas that fall outside of what people may typically view to be a man’s domain.

An important caveat: Solomon took his ambition too far. The book of Ecclesiastes tells the story of how his pursuits turned into unrestrained pleasure-seeking, accumulation of wealth and drifting away from God. You do not want to be rich, famous or successful to your hurt. Make sure your goals align with God’s will.

Leadership

God designed men to be husbands and fathers. While you as a teen have time before these roles become a reality, understanding them gives insight into the right view of men. Many of the greatest men in the Bible were husbands and fathers.

Ephesians 5:22 tells wives to “submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” For your future wife to submit to you, you must be worth submitting to. You should be growing as a leader now. The next verse puts this in perspective: “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church” (vs. 23). Developing Christ-like leadership is not something to start working on only after you say “I do”—it is a lifelong pursuit.

This does not just involve what people consider to be the traditional qualities of a leader. The passage continues, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it…So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies” (vs. 25-28). A husband does not rule his wife with an iron fist. He cares for her needs, protects her and helps her to achieve her full potential as a woman. This is vital for you to have in mind as you look forward to marriage.

Ephesians 6:4 addresses the role of a father. It, too, carries a principle you can think about now. It says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (New International Version). A godly man is a teacher. Being able to train and instruct later requires preparation now.

A man is also a provider. He provides for his family. While it is fine for wives and mothers to also work, the primary responsibility is placed on the man. I Timothy 5:8 says, “If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

These roles—leader, teacher, provider—should remain in the back of your mind throughout life. Read our booklet You Can Build a Happy Marriage to get a deeper understanding of these future roles now while you are young.

Empathy

David and Solomon were led by the Holy Spirit. This empowered them to be examples of proper manhood. The same Spirit is working with you now. Jesus Christ was actively involved in David and Solomon’s lives through that Spirit (Rom. 8:9-10). He also provided important lessons on masculinity when He was here in the flesh that you can apply.

Jesus Christ demonstrated that a man can show emotion, be sensitive and consider the feelings and needs of others. While modern trends can sometimes take this too far, these qualities are by no means things to run away from. Examples from Jesus’ earthly ministry bear this out.

John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet very instructive. After receiving news of Lazarus’ death, it states, “Jesus wept.” Even as God in the flesh, Jesus showed emotion. He was vulnerable—many men today would be very uncomfortable with the idea of shedding tears in front of others. While Jesus went on to miraculously resurrect this man, He was still deeply moved by what happened and how this tragic event had impacted the man’s family.

This display of proper emotions was not a one-time occurrence for Jesus. Luke 19:41 records that when He approached Jerusalem, “He beheld the city, and wept over it.” Strong’s says the word “wept” means to sob, wail aloud, bewail and weep. It does not mean just a vague feeling of sadness. The passage continues with Jesus explaining the calamity that would one day come to that city. His actions here show deep empathy.

A godly man shows his emotions. However, you should not fall to pieces over every little thing that occurs. It is most important to show you sincerely care about others. When we show our emotions to others, they should come from a place of outflowing love and concern. It should not be an outward show to get attention for ourselves.

You Can Do It!

To be a man is not to be greater or better than a woman. Both roles are essential and ordained by God. Women can do many of the things men can do, and vice-versa. But this does not mean we are all yellow pencils in a box. Both genders have unique strengths and God-given roles that should be embraced.

Each area we have examined—strength, drive, leadership and empathy—could be an entire article. They form a composite picture of a godly man. Take time to study these subjects further and ingrain them in your life.

As society’s confusion about how a man should conduct himself continues, keep a firm grip on God’s principles for masculinity. If you align your life with His will for you, you will be a confident example of all that God wants a man to be.