“Macho, macho man. I want to be a macho man.” The musical group the Village People put this lyric into the head of English speakers throughout the world in their 1978 release. Machoism appeals to people throughout the world because it connotes strength. Strength is often admired because of its power to help us control the things of the world. And strength is often required to solve problems.
Admiration and the desire for love are two of our greatest human needs. Machoism can be a tempting way to meet the need for admiration. Strength is one way machoism is manifested. Some people try to display strength through the purchase of a car or truck with a lot of horsepower or a raised-up suspension. A pet breed can be chosen because it exemplifies power and strength. Accumulating firearms can be done to project power and independence. The same motive can be behind bulking one’s body with muscle. You can likely add to this list.
Are these things bad in themselves? No! The problem comes when we use these outward expressions to prove our self-worth, when we use material things to represent our identity. This behavior can become a religion of sorts to the person displaying machoism and to those who admire him.
God understands our need for love and admiration. He provides. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are weak and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” God works through our weaknesses. Our weaknesses bring us closer to the power of God. When we recognize what we have replaced God with we are ready to refocus our lives. When we see and acknowledge our need to refocus, the Holy Spirit brings us the power and righteousness of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through refocusing on the love of God, our needs are met.
