He looked tough because he WAS tough. A former Navy Seal commander, his booming voice that emanated from his muscular and chiseled frame was intimidating, even though I was seated ten rows back in the conference room. The conference was for men only and the speaker preached upon what were the godly attributes that transform a follower of Jesus Christ into a true man. He then recounted a sad and sordid tale of a pastor who had an affair with a woman in his congregation. In spite of numerous attempts by the elders in the church and counsel from other pastors, including himself, this pastor refused to acknowledge or repent of his sins. He eventually left the ministry, his wife and family, and started a new life with this woman. The speaker paused for a second and stared at the men in the room and dismissively shook his head.
“He’s not a man!”
I stared at this powerful example of virility as he preached this stern judgment upon this fallen pastor once again.
“He’s not a man!”
I shifted uneasily in my chair and wondered if the other men in the audience were as uncomfortable as I was. In this age of political correctness and gender neutrality, it was both shocking and refreshing to hear such an unabashedly powerful statement.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)
What is a man?
Society’s pundits may blur the distinctions between a man and a woman. We no longer can even assume to use pronouns such as he or she without possibly offending someone. While there are certain biological and physiological differences, the question posed is addressing the moral qualifications of a man. The Bible gives us an unequivocal answer. A man stands firm in his faith in God. When confronted with temptations and trials, he first turns to God for strength and guidance. He is watchful and wary of situations that may place him in the pathway of Satan and his beguilings. He is strong because he immerses himself in the learning and meditation of God’s Word, knowing how to choose right from wrong.
He’s not a man!
There have been many times in my life that I have not acted like a man I pray this will never again be said of me or any man who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He is the supreme example of true manhood. He is the perfect Man. He is God.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 