“The greatest crisis in America today is the crisis of masculinity.”

Former NFL Defensive Lineman Joe Ehrmann has become a strong voice for healthy manhood.

Men must understand that being a man is a key part of their identity, but they must expose the lies about manhood which shackle their identity. Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free...So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:31,32, & 36.

Men need to be “set free” from the lies they have come to believe about themselves and replace them with the truth of God’s Word. Ehrmann describes three myths (lies) of masculinity which have become widely accepted in Western Culture. Let’s expose the lie (which shackles us) and replace it with the truth (which sets us free).

Myth 1: The Ballfield - To be a man you must be physically dominant and successful in athletic competition. Those that don’t “measure up” are told they don’t have what it takes to be a man.

Freedom Truth: You are enough. You are God’s workmanship. You are equipped to do all God has created you to do. (Judges 6:15-16, Ephesians 2:10 & Psalm 139:14)

Myth 2: The Bedroom - To be a man you must experience sexual conquests (be an “Alpha”) and satisfy sexual urges. Men who are not “good with the ladies” are defective, or “Beta”.

Freedom Truth: Being a slave to your sexual urges and being a user of other hu- man beings is not a sign of strength, but weakness and insecurity. A true man is marked by power, love, and self-discipline which comes from the Spirit of God (2 Timothy 1:7)

Myth 3: The Billfold - To be a man you must be successful in your career and finances. Cars, clothes, and cash prove you have what it takes and are worthy of manhood.

Freedom Truth: Your worth comes from Christ. Your character is your currency. An insecure man will never have enough money no matter how rich he is. (Romans 5:8, Colossians 3:12, Ecclesiastes 5:10).

What myths have you believed in your journey towards healthy manhood?

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