Men more often than not feel they need to act boastful or rude to be manly. I know that in my early 20's I felt that I had to be rough and tough in order to be a man. It wasn't until I met my brothers that I realized what a "real man" actually was. I learned that real men are self-confident, not boastful and arrogant, and they can let God show them how they should act. Guys we are to pursue righteousness and Godliness, becoming more like Him everyday. That in itself is the definition of holiness and sanctification. We are to have a bold, courageous faith – following God even in times where it feels foolish, with steadfastness and great courage.
Another thing that I learned is that a man should be gentle with those around them – their wives and their children. Being harsh and rigid doesn’t make you a man; it just makes you difficult to love. In our gentleness, we create an atmosphere that invites and creates a culture of love in our homes. It creates an environment where our families feel safe and secure, not afraid of what dad will do or say next.
Another way men can affect their their surrounding is to pay close attention to your words/mood with your family, friends, and co-workers – reflect God’s gentleness even with those who wrong you. Men. we spend as much time at work and in the marketplace as we do at home and in some cases more (which is another blog entirely). How do you want to be seen by those that work for/with you? What about those that you do business with? Do you want them to know you as a secure man that makes wise choices and decisions or a man that is rash and makes spur of the moment decisions? I can tell you that isn't God's way. That is man. That is flesh. That is sin. I can speak to this because I have lived it. I have allowed my "flesh" to win the battle with my spirit and words and actions come out that were never meant to see the light of day let alone be unleashed on those around me. The way of the Holy Spirit is the way of righteous action, the way of faith, the way of love, steadfastness, and ultimately gentleness. Paul said it best when he said:
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” 1st Timothy 6:11 ESV
Now, which man will you be? The man that acts in the flesh or will you be God's man? God's man acts only in love and courageous faith.
Another thing that I learned is that a man should be gentle with those around them – their wives and their children. Being harsh and rigid doesn’t make you a man; it just makes you difficult to love. In our gentleness, we create an atmosphere that invites and creates a culture of love in our homes. It creates an environment where our families feel safe and secure, not afraid of what dad will do or say next.
Another way men can affect their their surrounding is to pay close attention to your words/mood with your family, friends, and co-workers – reflect God’s gentleness even with those who wrong you. Men. we spend as much time at work and in the marketplace as we do at home and in some cases more (which is another blog entirely). How do you want to be seen by those that work for/with you? What about those that you do business with? Do you want them to know you as a secure man that makes wise choices and decisions or a man that is rash and makes spur of the moment decisions? I can tell you that isn't God's way. That is man. That is flesh. That is sin. I can speak to this because I have lived it. I have allowed my "flesh" to win the battle with my spirit and words and actions come out that were never meant to see the light of day let alone be unleashed on those around me. The way of the Holy Spirit is the way of righteous action, the way of faith, the way of love, steadfastness, and ultimately gentleness. Paul said it best when he said:
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” 1st Timothy 6:11 ESV
Now, which man will you be? The man that acts in the flesh or will you be God's man? God's man acts only in love and courageous faith.
"Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us , not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:1-7 ESV
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