Stages of a Man's Life

Rethinking Prophet, Priest, and King

In a previous post I connected the biblical offices of Prophet, Priest and King to us as men of God. 

But I’m also thinking about these biblical offices as stages in a man’s life.  Here is what I mean:

The Single Man as Prophet

We live in a culture where single young men 18-34 “hang out in a playground of drinking, hooking up, playing Halo 3, and, in many cases, underachieving.  With them, adulthood looks as though it’s receding.”1

Some men think this script is fun.  But not when they turn 45 and hit midlife crisis with tears of regret.  No pay increase.  No early retirement.  No rewarding career.  Singleness is not the time to play the field.  Singleness is the time to develop the field of your life by being a man of integrity, creativity, purpose and vision.

Prophets were set apart by God to speak His Word and represent Him before the people.  Where and how they lived marked them as God’s property.  They were incredibly creative, articulate and bold because they were crystal clear about their identity.

God may be calling you to be set apart as a single man for a season of personal and career development.  Your future wife needs a husband who is confident about who He is and where He is going.

The Husband as Priest

In another post I spoke about husbands taking the spiritual lead.  Prayer is an important part of a husband’s leadership but it’s not the only one.

For one, as High Priest, Jesus is able to sympathize with us.  Likewise as husbands, we need to practice listening skills and develop an understanding heart toward our wives.

We should create an atmosphere of tenderness in the home.  How?  By showing our wives consistent physical affection and loving words WITHOUT demanding or expecting SEX.  A wise husband knows that an atmosphere of tenderness increases spiritual, emotional and physical intimacy.

Men tend to find their identity in work.  Husbands have traditionally “banked” on being the financial provider.  But what happens if you lose your job?  Or what if your wife earns more money?  As priest of the home your leadership flows from who you are not your bank account. 

The Father as King

Being a father is a privilege.  Fathers are given a special crown.  A man needs to step up his game when he has a child looking up to him.

As a king Jesus took time for and protected children. We are called to guard, guide and govern our children.

How?  Let your words line up with your actions.  Let the rewards outweigh the punishment and praise more than you criticize your children.  Learn to bless your children by giving them the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.

Children look to daddy as Superman!  For children, a father is great just because he is daddy.  So let them be great in your eyes just because they are your children.  Give them a definition of manhood that they can run with. 

Be a strategic father and intentionally teach your children. Kings plan with vision for the long haul.  You can’t look for an immediate return with children.  Cut them slack.  Children are our legacy.  Your consistent investment will reap a righteous legacy at the right time.

It is good to be king.

Tell me what you think.  Please post your thoughts below.


Your brother,


Minister Onorio
1 This quote is from the article Child-Man in the Promised Land written by Kay Hymowitz for the City Journal Winter 2008 vol. 18 no. 1: http://www.city-journal.org/2008/18_1_single_young_men.html