I can still remember my excitement when I learned that I can finally leave my province to study in Manila. It was my freshman year in college and as a 16-year-old kid, I wanted to find my identity and show that I’m a confident and independent young man.

I tried joining a fraternity and had a number of relationships with women. I did everything in hopes that my needs will be fulfilled. Sadly, nothing satisfied my needs as a man. The world of machismo drove me further from the real meaning of manhood, which is according to God’s design.

On the night of my initiation to the fraternity, my roommate and a very close friend of mine invited me to church. That was also the time when I decided to surrender my relationship.

God was calling me, so I turned to Him and never let go ever since. I found my identity only in Jesus Christ.

But what is the true measure of a man? How did God design us, and what does He expect us to do? Here are four things that we’re called to do as men:

1. Men are called to LEAD.

While the call to lead is not exclusively given to men, God designed men for leadership. Even our emotional and biological wiring indicate that we are designed to carry loads, perform heavy tasks, and initiate action.

I believe that every man should lead those whom God has placed under his leadership—whether it’s a small group, a company, or his own family.

For Christian men, we are called to lead people to Christ. But in order to make that happen, we must first be His followers. As a husband to my wife and a father to my kids, I have to make sure that every decision I’m going to make will lead my family to Christ.

It is a blessing and a privilege to be entrusted with leadership that goes beyond generations.

2. Men are called to be FAITHFUL.

Men are called to be faithful with whatever God has entrusted to them. As His stewards, God expects us to cultivate our field, enrich our skills, and serve the people around us. Our field includes our family, studies, career, and whatever responsibilities placed upon us.

When we neglect our designated “field” and fail to serve the people whom God has placed under our care, we are not fulfilling this call to be faithful.

Sadly, what we see today are men who fight their way up to be the “boss.” Instead of wanting to serve, there are men who would rather be served. But Jesus showed us the right way: He came on earth not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

Pride and entitlement are the main destroyers of manhood. Let’s follow Jesus’ example of manhood and leadership so we can make a difference in the world.

3. Men are called to be part of a BAND OF BROTHERS.

Nothing beats having brothers who pray for you and support you in every season of your life. This is the reason why men should have “covenant” brothers who will build them up and correct them when necessary.

I had a friend in college who told me that he felt like he needed time alone with the Lord. Our group of friends were not at peace with it, but he insisted. Soon enough, he drifted further away from the Lord and eventually stopped attending church.

Men need to have covenant brothers around them. When guarding your heart is not enough, it’s time to run to your brothers who can remind you of God’s calling in your life.

There’s a big difference between solitude and isolation. Solitude is a spiritual discipline; it’s an act of obedience and personal communion with God. Isolation, on the other hand, is an act of disconnecting from people, including those who speak life and encouragement to you. Isolation does not give you peace. It will only keep you away from the Lord. A man should never isolate himself from his brothers.

4. Men are called to DEPEND ON JESUS CHRIST.

There are two things that men should guard within themselves: their strength and their heart. Unguarded strength leads to pride. An unguarded heart leads men to easily fall into temptations. Both of these things lead to his downfall. Men are called to be meek and self-controlled.

Meekness is strength under control. It stems from knowing our strength and capabilities as a man, yet we must understand that God is the source of these strengths and capabilities. Ultimately, meekness as a strength is possible when we know that God is bigger and greater than us.

Self-control is the ability to lead or govern ourselves. It’s not just about knowing what’s right and wrong, but also about being able to lead ourselves to do what’s right and guard ourselves against doing wrong.

Meekness and self-control are difficult to achieve apart from God. Willpower and self-determination can only do so much. We can be self-controlled and can pursue purity when we depend on the grace of God.

To sum it up, God’s definition of manhood goes beyond our personality or our expression of masculinity. Men are called to lead, be faithful, be part of a band of brothers, be meek and self-controlled, and most importantly, be aligned with Jesus. He is the ultimate model of man.

God is calling every man to lead, serve, and be faithful. Are you man enough to answer the call?