Manhood Reloaded: Rising Above Comfort to Live with Purpose
Lead with courage, protect what matters, and build a life that stands firm in a shifting world.
By Philip K. Hardin, MA, MDiv, LMFT, LPC
The Call to Grow UP!
Every man—especially in today’s fast-paced, distracted world—is called to be a warrior, a builder, a priest, and a king. This is more than poetic language; it’s a Biblical blueprint for modern manhood. Whether you’re a Millennial or Gen X man seeking purpose-driven living, or a Christian man determined to lead, protect, and provide, the journey of manhood is about becoming whole and mature—a process that never stops.
The Apostle Paul captures this vision in Colossians 1:28-29, presenting “every man complete in Christ.” This isn’t just about knowing the right things—it’s about living them. And in Luke 2:52, we see Jesus’ own growth model: increasing in wisdom (emotional growth), stature (physical growth), and in favor with God (spiritual growth) and men (relational growth).
If you’ve ever wondered how to be a man of purpose in today’s world, this post is your roadmap.
The Lie of Liberation
In his book Manhood, Senator Josh Hawley challenges the cultural myth that freedom is the absence of responsibility. This so-called “liberation” leaves men aimless and empty.
…True freedom, Hawley argues, is found in embracing responsibility, not running from it.
He calls men to return to five key virtues modeled by Jesus and foundational to biblical manhood:
Responsibility & Initiative – Stepping up without being asked.
Courage – Facing fear with faith.
Productivity – Creating, building, and contributing.
Leadership – Guiding others toward what is right.
Legacy & Fight – Leaving something that outlasts you and defending what matters.
“The world needs good men. Not weak men. Not confused men. Not men who pretend to be women. But men who know who they are, who take responsibility, who lead, who protect, and who provide.” – Josh Hawley
This vision stands in stark contrast to the passive, comfort-driven version of manhood our culture often promotes.
Adam vs. Jesus – The Biblical Anchor Point
From the beginning, God gave man a role of leadership and protection.
Adam failed in Genesis 3:6—not because he wasn’t there, but because he was silent. Eve was deceived, and Adam stood by, saying nothing, doing nothing, failing to act when it mattered most.
By contrast, Romans 5:19 declares:
“For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.”
Jesus didn’t shrink back—He stepped forward, carrying the ultimate responsibility: the sin of the world. He bore the weight Adam refused to carry.
The Call to Hard Things
Our culture often tells men that strength is toxic and comfort is the goal. But comfort doesn’t make strong men—challenges do.
The gym builds muscle through resistance. Life shapes men through responsibility.
That might mean:
Working long hours to provide for your family when quitting would be easier.
Protecting your marriage when culture says to “move on.”
Speaking truth in love when silence would cost you less.
Manhood is forged in the fires of difficulty—not the cushions of ease.
Man UP – A Call to Action
To Man UP means stepping into the role God has given you.
3 Action Points for Every Man:
Show UP – Be present physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Your people need you engaged.
Grow UP – Keep developing your skills, faith, emotional intelligence, and relationships.
Stand UP – Speak when truth needs defending, protect those who can’t protect themselves, and lead with courage.
This journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction.
The Legacy We Leave
One day, your life will be summed up in a single sentence.
Will it say you avoided responsibility and lived for comfort?
Or that you embraced challenges, fought for what mattered, and left a lasting impact?
Legacy is built in the daily grind of faithfulness. Every choice strengthens or weakens the story you’ll leave behind.
The world may not thank you for being a man of God. In fact, you may face resistance. But your family will know. Your children will know. God will know.
Final Challenge
The journey of manhood is not a sprint—it’s a lifelong mission.
The culture around us may dismiss Biblical masculinity, but the call remains the same: stand firm, live with courage and responsibility, and leave a godly legacy for your family and community.
Whether you’re a Christian man seeking leadership and discipleship, a husband aiming to protect and provide, or a single man preparing for the life God has called you to, the path forward is clear.
Reject passivity. Embrace responsibility. Lead boldly. Protect fiercely. Build what lasts.
One day, your story will be told—let it be said you lived with purpose, fought for what mattered, and became the man God designed you to be.
Man UP. Show UP. Grow UP. The world needs you.
Phil Hardin works as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Hardin Life Resources practicing in both Jackson, MS and Fairhope, AL. Phil’s heart is for men to personally experience God’s redemptive plan through sharing their story with a community committed to whole, authentic living. Check out Men’s Coaching Weekends to learn more. Consider joining our Men’s Roundtable Gathering in Jackson, MS or Man Up! in Fairhope, AL. Virtually, LionMakers meets weekly.
Phil and his wife, Karla LPC-S, lead Couples Connect Workshop, incorporating their own redemptive story with Biblical and research-backed principles for healing and strengthening marriages for over 25 years.