Stop Being Casual: Why Men Need Serious Faith
Let’s be honest-most of us guys know how to get serious when it matters. You buckle down at work to earn that promotion. You hit the gym and stick to a diet when you want to get in shape. You plan for your future, whether it’s buying a house, getting married, or building a business. But when it comes to faith, too many men go on autopilot, assuming spiritual maturity will just “happen” someday.
Here’s the truth: God isn’t looking for casual Christians. He’s calling men to step up, take Him seriously, and lead with purpose.
Serious About God, Not Yourself
Being serious about faith doesn’t mean you have to be a killjoy or walk around with a frown. In fact, some of the most joyful men I know are also the most intentional about their walk with Christ. The opposite of serious isn’t happy-it’s casual. And casual faith is what keeps men stuck, bored, and ineffective.
Kevin DeYoung puts it this way: “I’ve often prayed that I would take myself less seriously, even as I take God more seriously.” That’s a challenge worth accepting. Take God seriously-His Word, His calling, His gospel. But don’t make it all about you.
We’re Committed-Just Not Always to the Right Things
Think about it:
- You’ll work overtime for your job, but call Christianity “too much work.”
- You’ll grind through tough workouts, but say following Jesus is “too hard.”
- You’ll research the best diets, plan your finances, and map out your next vacation, but leave your spiritual growth up to chance.
Why do we treat faith like an afterthought when we’re so intentional about everything else?
Intentional Faith Is Biblical Manhood
The Bible never calls men to be passive or lazy. In fact, it’s just the opposite. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). God wants men who are all in-who plan, pursue, and persevere in their walk with Him.
It’s time to stop making excuses. Don’t buy the lie that real men don’t need God, or that faith is just for women and kids. Real men follow Christ with grit and resolve.
How to Get Serious About Your Faith
- Make Spiritual Habits Non-Negotiable Set a time for prayer, Bible reading, and church-just like you do for work or the gym. Don’t leave it to chance.
- Lead at Home and in Church Your family and your brothers in Christ need you to show up, speak up, and step up.
- Find Accountability Don’t go it alone. Get with other men who will challenge you, pray with you, and hold you to a higher standard.
- Invest in the Next Generation Younger guys are watching. Mentor them. Show them what it looks like to be a man of God.
- Get Wisdom Seek Out Mentors and Sages Don’t try to figure it out on your own. Find older men who’ve walked the path longer, and invest in younger guys coming up behind you. Multi-generational relationships sharpen us all.
Joyful, Not Joyless
Serious faith isn’t about being gloomy. It’s about living with purpose and passion. When you take God seriously, you’ll find a joy and strength that casual faith can never deliver.
Final Challenge
Men, don’t drift through your spiritual life. Don’t let your faith be the one area where you’re content to be casual. God is calling you to more. Take Him seriously. Lead boldly. Live intentionally.
The world needs men who are all in for Christ. Will you be one of them?
