Be a Man

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” I Corinthians 16:13

Ladies, I’m going to address the men for a moment, but please keep reading.

Often, when a guy reacts to a situation in a way that isn’t considered macho enough, one of his buddies will shout, “C’mon–be a man!” In other words, “Toughen up,” or “Swallow your fear!” This phrase is delivered as a reprimand, or sometimes as a challenge. “Don’t let anyone question your manhood!” This seems to be a rite of passage for boys. Having been a boy and also having a son, I see that there is a desire to prove oneself in the heart of every boy.

But the question is, “What is a man?” Never before has the answer to this question been so critical as it is in our culture. Both ends of the spectrum are present in society–crude, unfeeling, unloving men who mistreat women and step on whoever they have to to get ahead, and spineless, passive, even effeminate men who lack the initiative to do anything at all. I love Paul’s brief treatment of the subject of manhood in these 12 words. “Be watchful”- a real man pays attention to the people and events around him and considers his responsibility. “Stand firm in the faith”- a real man loves God, knows what he believes and refuses to compromise. “Act like men”- a real man is not afraid to assume the role God created him to have. “Be strong”- a real man uses his strength to support, care for and lead those who need it.

Guys, be a man. Ladies, will you pray for the men in your life? Pray that they will live like the men God created them to be.

-Pastor Mike