As David’s time to die drew near, he commanded his son, Solomon, saying, “I am going the way of all the earth. So be strong, and prove yourself a man” (1 Kings 2:1-2).
Not long before passing away, David talked to his son (Solomon) about manhood. He admonished him to step up and be a man. What does that involve? What kinds of things should a male do to demonstrate the qualities of a real man?
Real men love God.
- Real men seek to know God and nurture their relationship with Him. They possess integrity and righteous character traits.
- Saul and Absalom were handsome men (1 Samuel 9:2; 2 Samuel 14:25), but neither loved and obeyed the Lord.
- The man described in Luke 12:16-21 was rich, but he was considered a fool by God because he failed to place God at the center of his life.
- God is concerned more with a man’s heart than his physical appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). A real man walks according to God’s commandments (1 Kings 2:3). He strives to know the Lord and be pure in heart.
Real men love their families.
- They never leave or abandon their families (Hebrews 13:5).
- They provide for their families (1 Timothy 5:8).
- They treat their wives right (1 Peter 3:7).
- They lead and spend time with their children (Ephesians 6:4). They protect the hearts of their children (Proverbs 4:23).
- They demonstrate the same kind of love for their families that Jesus does for His (John 10:1-18; Ephesians 5:25-29; Mark 10:45).
Real men practice self-control.
- They control their passions (Galatians 5:23; 2 Peter 1:6; 2 Timothy 1:7). They don’t allow their passions to control them.
- They control their anger (Ephesians 4:26-27).
- They control their lusts and sinful sexual desires (Matthew 5:27-32).
- They humble themselves before God and truly submit to His will!
Conclusion:
While real men are becoming unrecognizable, let us always seek to follow God’s model. It is the only one that truly matters!
