How Men Use Their Strength For Good
It’s not how much strength he has but what he does with his strength
"It’s not how much strength he has but what he does with his strength
Men are powerful beings, we have innate abilities to build thriving civilizations, our forefathers fought and survived the worst conditions to protect their loved ones. We have been entrusted to carry the seed of life, making our responsibility to mankind a great duty that many have upheld exceptionally while some of our brothers need to do some work on how their actions, or lack thereof, contribute to society. Popular definitions of a man often overlook values like respect and kindness choosing to define men by rank, power, or influence. If you look in magazines, you’d be hard-pressed to find an image of a man who isn’t physically strong or in a polished suit posing as the ideal man who’s got it all together (don't get me wrong I know we need to look good but stay with me). You hear it in our conversations, “I can beat you at this or I’m better at that” there’s always an underlying competitive spirit where we see ourselves as the strongest of the pack (whether true or not).
While going through my notes in preparation for this interview, the famous story of Samson and how his misuse of strength led to his demise came to mind. I saw strength as a man’s unwavering faith in his ability to get things done despite all the challenges and unforeseen obstacles that are guaranteed on his journey of becoming. While all this is necessary and important, sacrifice is a constant theme in every man’s life, and sacrificing his strength for the good of others is a value we struggle with at every level.
On the first episode of the podcast, Father a Nation Founder, Craig Wilkinson shared the first virtue “How Men Use Their Strength for Good” from his impactful program, 6 Pack of Champion Virtues, which aims to help men harness the power of positive masculinity. He shared 3 ways he believes a man uses his strength;
He Can Fail to Use It"
Men who fail to use their strength are passive.
Passive men do nothing to stop abuse or injustice even when it is in their power to do something.
Passive men let everyone down.
He Can Use It for Harm"
Men who are aggressive men who choose to break down instead of build up.
Aggressive men abuse the privileged positions they occupy.
He Can Use It for Good"
Men who use their strength for good are builders of families, communities, and nations.
Champion men use their strength for good. They never fail to use their strength when it’s needed and they never use their strength for harm.
Champion men have an internal compass which shows them how to use their strength."
The compass is a set of values that directs them through life and helps them make the right choices.
Champion men are dangerous but never to women, children, or society but whatever threatens them and women, children, and society.
Champion men are true warriors and overcomers, not of women or other men but of themselves.
Now, I’m sure you had some ideas of where you fit in these areas, maybe we all move between the 3 depending on the situation. But take note of how you show up and carry yourself, do you aggressively oppress or suppress others and your own voice by passively turning a blind eye to the injustice around you? Or do you stand for truth and fight for yourself and others?
As James F Clarke beautifully stated; “the giants and dragons of the day are those cruelties and brutalities which use their power to ill-treat those who are at their mercy”
The world needs you, you can make a difference, be courageous, and be accountable to yourself first. Your strength is a blessing use it for good and inspire a generation of men to follow.
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