Biblical Manhood in 2026: Beyond Toxic Labels to Purposeful Mentorship

     Many women accuse public figures such as Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, and Joe Rogan of promoting “toxic masculinity.” (I admit that I disagree with some of what all three will say.) However, one could argue that it is the relentless messaging from the left and oftentimes from women themselves that labels “toxic masculinity” as the root of countless societal problems is what is actually pushing young men toward these voices. When boys and young men are repeatedly told that traditional masculine traits like strength, assertiveness, and ambition are inherently harmful, what reaction would one expect? These traits are inherently ingrained within a man's DNA and no one wants to walk on eggshells constantly. Men will naturally seek out leaders who affirm those exact qualities and who can provide a sense of male purpose and identity without constant apology. The louder and more frequent the condemnation of “toxic masculinity” as the default villain, the more intriguing these counter-messages become.

     In my own life, my father fell short in this area. He loved our family, provided faithfully, and worked tirelessly, but he was not the kind of father who intentionally mentored me by pouring wisdom, strength, and guidance into me as a young man. That crucial role was largely absent from his leadership of the home, and I had no others either aside from my grandfather, whom I would see for a few weeks each summer. His investment in me centered more on work ethic than on the other day-to-day matters I would experience. This was by no fault of his own...he lived on and owned a dairy farm that he had run for decades. So the city life and the rapidly changing culture were foreign to him. I suppose they were foreign to most people at that time. Even today, as things change so rapidly (even culturally and societally) I suppose it can feel foreign to many that are in the thick of it.

     I am ever so grateful for the years I spent on our family dairy farm, where my grandfather filled a portion of that gap without ever needing to say much. I learned some authentic traits of manhood simply by walking beside him every day. He did not lecture me or give me formal lessons. Just observing how he carried himself with quiet strength, treated everyone with respect, worked with unwavering integrity from dawn until dark (every day..no sick days on a farm), and faced hardship without complaint. Through the most mundane and ordinary tasks...milking cows, plowing fields, repairing fences, baling and hauling hay. I absorbed what it truly meant to be watchful, firm, strong, and loving, long before I had words for it. And to be completely honest it did not truly hit my inner depths of acknowledgement and knowledge until I decided to write this. 

     Later in life when I drifted away and had lost that sense of direction, it was the Bible, the church, and ultimately God Himself who restored it. Through Scripture and the community of believers, the Lord revived the example I had first seen in my grandfather, now anchoring it firmly in Christ and giving it eternal meaning. The now distant memories of the quiet farm legacy, well I now realize that it laid a bit of a foundation and it was uncovered through God’s faithful redemption, I remain deeply thankful.

    Anyway I digress...we live in an time where young men are bombarded with warnings about what not to do! Do not be aggressive! Do not objectify women! Do not suppress your emotions! And in the midst of all the warnings and "do nots" they receive almost no clear guidance on what they should actively pursue. This leaves them going about life aimlessly, when they need direction for their purpose or identity. 𝙰̶𝚖̶𝚎̶𝚛̶𝚒̶𝚌̶𝚊̶𝚗̶ ̶𝚑̶𝚒̶𝚜̶𝚝̶𝚘̶𝚛̶𝚢̶ no....all of human history has had cultural script of manhood. They have been rooted in roles as providers, protectors, and pioneers. Just during my time here on earth I have witnessed its erosion under shifting cultural/societal tides. It seems to have been replaced by ambiguity that breeds confusion and disengagement.

    As we move into 2026 and beyond, the responsibility falls on seasoned men. Biblical and Christian men, fathers, mentors, and leaders. It is time to step up. This does not mean clinging to outdated stereotypes...we need to be modeling resilience, empathy, and accountability, and intentionally guiding the next generation to build their own paths with purpose and strength. We need to disciple younger men, both in biological age and in the faith. Simultaneously, we must also with intentionality make sure we are also being discipled by men who are older biologically, as well as by those more mature in their faith (who may be younger in years). 

    Biblical manhood, as revealed in Scripture, goes far beyond raising one’s own children. It calls older men to invest in the wider family of faith. Pouring strength and wisdom into young men hungry for direction, supporting fellow fathers through shared struggles, and encouraging colleagues in work or ministry amid life’s challenges. Biblical examples are Moses mentoring Joshua, Paul discipling Timothy like a spiritual son, and the direct instruction in Titus 2 for older men to exemplify self-control, dignity, and soundness in faith so that younger men can imitate them. It can be summed up in Paul's writings. 

1 Corinthians 16:13–14: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (ESV).

 
     This is not just about challenging yourself to endure, but to live out courageous, loving strength that inspires and equips others. In a time of widespread confusion amongst men of all ages, we need to brig back biblical manhood. Do not be legalistic about either but it needs to be active and intentional. Loving mentorship that strengthens the next generation against aimlessness and despair. I do not want to see others coming to the realization I have after almost a half century on this planet.