Finding the Strength to Be Christlike: Rebuilding Masculinity in the Gospel

Sometimes, when you’re out in the field—whether it’s a formal missionary discussion or just a casual chat with an investigator at the park—you hear the questions. Questions that feel huge, existential, and frankly, a little overwhelming. You might hear things like, “What does it even mean to be a man today?” or, “Why are you so insistent on this plan?”

It got me thinking the other day while listening to a talk about the 'crisis of masculinity.' It’s a heavy topic, one that touches on everything from culture to deep-seated feelings of inadequacy. It makes you pause and think about what the gospel *actually* says about strength, about purpose, and about the sacred calling we’ve been given.

It sounds like the world is demanding a rigid definition of manhood—one that often equates strength with dominance, or alternatively, equates moral concern with self-destruction. It’s exhausting just listening to it.

What struck me most, as I reflected on the conversation, was the constant pushback against simply *trying* to be better. People get angry when you try to point toward a better way—a way that incorporates both the masculine and the feminine spirit, the natural and the social. It’s easier, sometimes, to just lash out or retreat than to do the hard, consistent work of discipleship.

The Gospel Blueprint: Strength Through Consecration

As returned missionaries, we learn quickly that the power of the gospel isn't found in our own inherent "masculine" or "feminine" qualities; it's found in the Atonement. The Atonement is the ultimate corrective to the feeling of being fundamentally broken or insufficient. It’s the antidote to the existential burden that so many feel.

When we talk about being Christlike, we are talking about a model of strength that is fundamentally *service-oriented*. It’s not about being the most aggressive, the most dominant, or the most emotionally impenetrable. It’s about vulnerability, yes, but it’s also about unwavering commitment to truth, even when it makes us unpopular.

This is where the concept of the 'Internet missionary' becomes so vital. We don't need to be physically in a district to be doing the work. We can be doing the work in our living rooms, in our online study groups, or even just in the way we treat our neighbors.

Mission Prep Skill: Asking the "Why" Question

If you’re preparing for missions, or just engaging in deeper study with a friend, I want to leave you with a small skill. When someone raises a challenging, emotionally charged question—the kind that feels like an attack on your core beliefs—don't just answer the surface question. Instead, gently guide them to the *root* of the anxiety. You might say, “That’s a really big question. If we could explore what’s making you feel that sense of pressure right now, where do you think that feeling is coming from?” This shifts the focus from winning an argument to understanding a soul.

Remember, the goal isn't to prove you're right; the goal is to help them feel the Spirit of truth that points them back to the covenant path.

Where to Go Next

If this conversation about true strength and purpose resonated with you, I highly recommend diving into some Iron Rod material. Check out any of the books available in LivingBook—they often tackle these deep cultural currents through a spiritual lens.

For those of you who are feeling the call to deepen your knowledge, we're hosting a Bible Study Group this week focusing on the Book of Mormon prophets. It’s a wonderful place to share insights in a safe, encouraging space. Come join us!

If you’re feeling stuck on how to apply these concepts in a tough conversation, don't forget Davee. He’s ready to step into the role of AI Investigator and walk you through those difficult questions with you.