Men, it’s time to man up! The problem is many of us have the wrong picture of what a man should be.
Here’s what real men do…
They suit up daily for battle, putting on the armor of God.
They love their wife and treat her with respect.
They respect women everywhere.
They love their children and don’t exasperate them.
They help those in need.
They are patient.
They are truthful.
They trust in God.
They respond with love and show restraint.
They are generous with their resources.
They are kind.
They are fearless for God.
They are self-controlled.
They serve.
They forgive and seek forgiveness.
They don’t speak coarse words.
They don’t gossip.
They surrender their will over to God’s.
They protect their family through prayer.
They are bold and courageous based upon faith in God.
They are confident in Christ.
They seek peace.
They learn to be content with little or much.
They are humble.
They are selfless.
They are willing to be last.
Just in case you wanted to know, here is what a real man is not…
The one who is rude.
The one who is disrespectful.
The one who is power-hungry.
The one who is greedy.
The one who is selfish.
The one who needs to be first.
The strongest physically.
The one with most toys.
The one with the highest title.
The loudest.
The one with the most trophies.
The one who is the best athlete.
The one with the biggest house.
The one with the most money or fastest car.
The one who is abusive.
The one who is oppressive.
The one who takes advantage of others.
The one who is deceitful.
The one who is controlling.
The one who takes what is not his.
The one who leads others into temptation.
The one who is the smartest.
If you want to test your manhood, try dying to your selfish desires and see how strong you really are. The strongest men by the world’s standards have been brought to their knees by the simplest temptations which they could not control because of their pride; pride that was based upon what the world has told them a man is to be.
Real men seek God!
So guys, it’s time to man up. Begin on your knees in prayer and then stand strong knowing that you can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens you.
Jude 1:14-15 (ESV)
14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”
16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.
17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
Just a Thought…
