Introduction
The story is told that Diogenes the Greek philosopher walked through the streets of Athens in broad daylight with a lantern in hand, looking for a real man, one who was honest and brave. Someone pointed to some men across the street and said, “Yonder are some men.” Diogenes replied “They are pygmies. I am looking for real men.”
Jeremiah urged his people to “run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem; see in her open places if you can find a man, if there is anyone who executes judgment, who seeks the truth” (Jeremiah 5:1)
The same remains true today. We need Godly men. What is a godly man like? Scripture describe him for us.
GOD’S MAN HAS THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP IN THE FAMILY
In 1 Corinthians 11 Paul discusses the order of authority. In verse three he writes, “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.”
Then in verses 8 and 9 he says, “For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.”
It is clear that man should be the head of his family.
While this may conflict with the concept many have today of woman’s role, the fact remains that God has made him the leader of the family. This does not mean he rules with an iron hand without consideration of how the rest of the family is affected, but it does mean that God has placed him at the head of the household.
This being true God has made him the leader of his family. Often woman take on the role of leadership simply because husbands abdicate this God given role.
GOD’S MAN IS THE PROVIDER FOR HIS FAMILY
The Scriptures are definite about this.
1 Timothy 5:8 says, “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
A man who does not provides for his family cannot have God’s respect. Women have the responsibility of the domestic matters in the home but most younger women in our society work. A Christian woman, especially of pre-school children, needs to ask herself: is my working outside the home a help to my husband and children?
It would be difficult for a woman of pre-school children to answer “yes” unless the added income is absolutely needed for necessities. We need to distinguish between needs and wants.
After children grow up and no longer require the special attention that only mothers can give, a woman may then seek work outside the home. But she is sorely needed in the early formative years of her children.
GOD’S MAN IS MASCULINE
Much is said today in defence of effeminate men. If one speaks out against homosexuality he is branded as a bigot. We are told to be tolerant because they can’t help what they are. If this is true why did Paul condemn such in 1 Corinthians 6:9. He said that such “will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
If one can’t help this condition, then he would not be accountable for it. It is clear that it is something one can avoid, even quit.
Paul speaks of men who departed from that which is natural (Romans 1:27). This shows that this condition is acquired. Many who have been homosexuals have quite this kind of indecent and ungodly behaviour when they became Christians as some had done in Corinth. (See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). One can overcome this sin just as well as he can any other sin.
GOD’S MAN IS STRONG AND COURAGEOUS
We usually associate strength and courage with manhood. No one admires a “jellyfish.”
These qualities are so badly needed today in the midst of a society which demands conformity. Many men are afraid to defy social pressures choosing rather to be politically correct. Thus they go along with what everyone else is doing. God wants men of courage.
Paul said, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Real courage is required to stand up and do right. Think of the tremendous courage it took for those early Christians to live Godly lives and to be threatened with death. It still takes courage. It takes courage to live by the word of God. We often know what it teaches, but to put it into practice takes utmost courage. It takes courage to face ridicule, to return good for evil, to love our enemies, to endure all the sorrows and trials of life.
Psalm 31:24 says, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all ye that hope in Jehovah.”
We see this thought expressed in 2 Peter 1:5. In setting forth the essential qualities Christians should incorporate into their lives Peter says to add “virtue.”
This word in the Greek has a different meaning than we usually assign to it today. Literally it means the courage to do what is right.
We usually associate courage with someone going to war or doing something that threatens their life. While one may be courageous physically this does not mean he is strong spiritually. God is not concerned with our physical power, but he is concerned with our spiritual strength and the courage to use this strength to the glory of God.
GOD’S MAN IS A GENTLEMAN
Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:24, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men.”
The world has a misconception of what a gentleman is. He is not simply one who is rich, socially inclined, well dressed or of royal birth. Neither is he of the “southern gentleman” variety. The key is understanding the meaning of the word “gentle”. Here is one of the paradoxes of God’s man. While we associate strength and courage with man, yet, he must couple these with a gentle spirit. A gentle-man will have the following characteristics.
First, he will be a meek man. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is not softness. Meekness is the opposite of boisterousness and turbulence. Meekness is strength grown tender. Moses was a great leader, yet according to Numbers 12:3, he was the meekest man in all the earth. He was firm but yet tender and compassionate.
Second, God’s man is kind. Proverbs 19:22 says, “What is desired in a man is kindness.”
He is considerate of others. Sometimes a man will say, “I am plain spoken.” Or he may say, “I say what I think.”
Others know he is just plain rude and intimidating. A gentleman will refrain from saying or doing things that wound or intimidate others. He does not push others around including his own family.
Thirdly, God’s man is just. In the golden text of the O.T. we find, “He hath showed thee, o man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with thy God?”
God’s man will deal honestly and fairly with all men. He will not take advantage of anyone.
GOD’S MAN WILL BE A GOOD FATHER TO HIS CHILDREN
Ephesians 6:4 reads as follows.
“And you fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
God has given a great responsibility to fathers. In one survey it was found that fathers spend about 10 to 15 minutes each day with their children. Just think, this represents the contribution of fatherhood in America. Fathers may work long hours to provide a high standard of living but is it worth it?
Most wives have the full responsibility of raising the children. This absence of male adult attention has proven to be very harmful to children emotionally and spiritually. The apostle cautioned against excessive severity that provokes bitter, wrathful rebellion.
Children should be corrected and restrained from their stubborn self-will, and should be trained to be obedient from earliest childhood, but this should be done with love for the child. The child will come to appreciate this and to love and honour his father for the restraint and correction given.
Love prevents a scolding, nagging, arguing father who is always striking out at a child in anger and resentment. In contrast he is to bring them up in the loving discipline of God’s word. This means being involved with your children in spiritual matters. Tell them a Bible story, pray with them. Take them to something that will help them spiritually. Let them see you involved in good works. In other words teach your children by example.
CONCLUSION
1 Kings 2:1-2 reads, “Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I am going the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man.”
Real men are hard to find. Man has failed to live up to the role that God has given to him. He was created “a little lower than the angels,”
the crowning work of God’s creation. He has the ability to rise to heights sublime. We need Godly men. Men that will rule their families well, be the main providers of their families, be masculine, strong, courageous and true gentlemen. God help us to be real men.
