Divergent opinions exist on what it means to be a man in the world. Some people believe that having rock-solid abs is a must for being a man, along with grit, square-jawed resolve, and a working understanding of weapons. Some claim that being sensitive, having empathy for the less fortunate, and being in touch with one’s emotions are qualities that define manliness. Other qualities can include sexual prowess, wealth, physical stature, leadership abilities, or a strong work ethic. Are these items a true definition of masculinity, or are there more criteria?
You only need to look to the life of Jesus Christ to understand what a real man is. Jesus is the embodiment of manhood and the ideal representation of what genuine maturity looks like since he is the Son of Man. Jesus lived in total dependence on God and obedience to His will. He was also filled with the Holy Spirit. Christ embodied the fruit of the Spirit in full measure. A genuine follower of God will also exhibit these spiritual gifts.
Like Jesus, a real man submits to the will of the Father and goes about His Father’s work. The virtuous man will turn away from sin and pursue righteousness, just like Christ did. He will strive to uphold God’s law and live according to God’s will via the power of the Spirit. He will demonstrate a commitment to carrying out God’s will at any costs. He will face resistance and never give up. He will be a man of the Word, overcoming temptation with the help of the Bible. He’s going to be a praying guy. He’ll be a selfless and loving man.
“Be vigilant, maintain your faith steadfastly, exhibit bravery, and exhibit strength.” Put love into all you do. These scriptures define a real man as one who is watchful for danger, obedient to the truth, brave in the face of adversity, tenacious through hardships, and, most importantly, loving.
“Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money,” states the Bible’s requirements for elders and deacons. This is a good description of a godly man. He needs to be a good family manager. Additionally, he has to be well-liked by outsiders in order to avoid embarrassment and falling into the devil’s snare.
Deacons must also be respectable men who are truthful, abstain from excessive alcohol consumption, and do not pursue dishonest gain. They have a clear conscience and must cling to the core beliefs of their faith.
One who has “put away childish things” is a genuine man. A real guy sticks to his moral principles and understands what is right. A pious guy is a real man. He is passionate about life, the Lord, and the people the Lord has placed to his care.
📌FOR FURTHER STUDY
📖 What the Bible Says About Being A Man?