Ball-field, Bedroom, and Billfold
I listened to a sermon once where Pastor Voddie Baucham says our culture measures manhood by three Bs: ball field, bedroom, and billfold. Actually, I think at the core of this standard is our natural, God-given masculine inclinations.
Let me explain...
Ball-field:
Sports are ritualized warfare. Whether it’s a tennis court, a soccer field, or the space between end zones, these are environments where men prove their mettle. They demonstrate skill, toughness, and determination. Moreover, they learn the chain of command and how to work alongside a band of brothers. If you can’t take correction, you won’t grow in your skills or character. Sports are about becoming a warrior in a society where war is largely fought by a small, paid military and machines.
Men need to be tough, disciplined, and focused. They need to be willing and able to work within teams. It’s part of their God-given duty to be protectors.
Bedroom:
The desire to have sex repeatedly is good. A man should be driven to capture his wife’s heart over and over again. This also takes skill—a different set of skills, but skills nonetheless. How does one attract a woman who desires to join him in building a household and mother his children?
Men need to be lovers. They must know how to attract and keep the heart of a woman. It’s part of their God-given duty to establish a home that fills the world with worshipers.
Billfold:
The desire to make a lot of money is good. Productivity and fruitfulness are good. It is right to partially measure a man by his financial stability and success.
Men need to be providers. They should strive to get the best return from the intersection of their abilities and God-given opportunities.
A Balanced Perspective:
None of these inclinations are bad in themselves. They are good and natural. The wickedness of man cannot create anything new; it can only twist what already exists. Instead of rejecting these inclinations, we should refocus them.
Become a warrior. Do it because there are evil men in the world. Do it for your family and your church. Do it for crowns in heaven. Do it because our God is a Warrior, and He has enlisted you in His army.
Become a lover. Win a woman’s heart so completely that she gives her heart and fruitfulness to you. Then win her again and again. Do it to establish a legacy—a godly home that produces godly homes long after your earthly life ends.
Become a provider. Dominate your field. Work hard to get the highest yield you can. Do it to provide for your wife, children, and grandchildren. Do it to fund the church and care for your neighbors. Do it because diligence pleases God.