Real Manhood

If you are like me, you never thought we would see the day when understanding gender would be such a battle. If someone cannot define the difference between a man and a woman, they have no business being in any office of power, but here we are. Yet, even for those who can tell the difference between genders, they may still struggle with the qualities a real man and woman should have.

The Bible gives great clarity on such definitions and what makes a man and woman great in the eyes of the Lord. Today, let’s define manhood according to the scriptures. We go to I Timothy 6:11-12, “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”  What Paul is warning men to flee from is the love of money. Why? Because the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil. One quick note, Paul is not saying money is evil, but it is a root of all kinds of evil. So, what is a real man supposed to pursue? Righteousness. A real man will pursue not only what is right, but what is right according to the Lord God.  Oh sure, I know that there are some girls out there who are attracted to the “bad boys,” but, sadly, they are settling for a boy who hasn’t grown up. A real man does what is right, and he will pursue godliness. He will not only be strong in his own faith, but also help others to grow in their faith, starting with his family. A real man will know and desire to love deeply, and not just physically. A real man does not throw up his hands and quit. He doesn’t quit his friends or his family, and he definitely does not quit on the Lord. A real man will also be gentle. Gentleness is not weakness, but is strength under control, and only a true man can do this.

Finally, a real man will fight the good fight of faith. I know testosterone cuts off the blood to the brain in most guys, and they want to throw down at the drop of a hat to prove how tough they are, but a real man doesn’t fight a stupid fight. He fights the good fight, a fight that makes a difference, and that fight is for his faith.

A real man is smart enough to grab hold of the gift of eternal life and draw others to this precious gift. A real man will also keep his word; he will keep his commitment. He will keep his commitment to people, but especially to God. A real man will have such a testimony that all who hear and see will know that this is a man who will stand upon that testimony no matter what. I end with a challenge to boys: time to grow up and be men, men of God.