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Sunday, July 18, 2010

What Is a Real Man?

Real men do exist. However, they are rare. Most women have searched for a real man. Most have settled for something less. Most men don't know what a real man is. They have had such few examples to emulate. They have believed that real men win ever fight they enter, out-drink every other man at the bar and out-cuss anyone who comes near. Some men never enter this contest. They stay away from the bars, don't fight and don't use bad language. They are still as clueless in what a real man is. They get married and follow their wives to church or wherever they lead.

The good news is that it is never too late to become a real man. Here are the characteristics of a real man.

A real man will not sell his soul to anyone or anything. He has given his soul to the Lord. There is nothing left to sell. His word is true. His promises are kept.

A real man leads his family. He does not defer to his wife for every decision. His leadership is one that protects and nurtures the family. He will sacrifice his own life to do what is necessary for his family. Neither his work nor hobbies will take precedence over his family. He will work hard long hours to provide. He will allow his wife to work outside the home if she would like but will not require her to do so. He will listen to his wife and make decisions with her. He will not simply put the decisions in her hands. He is never a dictator but he will make the decision if he and his wife disagree. He will not do what he feels is wrong for the sake of peace alone.

A real man does not own a Bible. His Bible owns him. He reads it and follows it. He goes to church to hear it explained. He explains it to other men and women. He keeps the word of God true by the way he lives. He keeps the word of God alive because he seeks it to bring life to him and his family.

A real man does not have to pretend to be a man. He does not have to brag about his accomplishments. He does not have to show how powerful he is. He does not have to ask for admiration.

A real man has an awe of God. He knows God's power and wisdom. He knows God's love and expects that God will reward him for his faithfulness. He expects that the things God has said are best. He believes that following them will result in the best. He gives each day to the Lord and follows Him with the expectation that God will do something grand in his life.

A real man has faith. He knows that bad times come to everyone. He does not blame God for the bad times but goes to God for wisdom in handling these bad times. He prays to God when there are needs beyond anything that wisdom can supply. He has confidence that God will provide when there is no other evidence. He simply believes and puts his beliefs to work.

Being a real man is a tall order. It is a challenge for every man. It takes God's help and a man's willing heart.

1 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)
11  When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

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