In preparation for this post, I googled “real men do.” Here are the first page results:
10 Things a Real Man Does When He’s in a Relationship … Top 10: Things Only Real Men Can Do … Traits of a Real Man … Signs He’s a Gentleman … The 20 Defining Traits of the Real Modern Man … 10 Ways to Know You’re Dating a Real Man … 20 Characteristics of a Real Man … Are you a real man? The Top 50 things every chap should … 10 Things Real Men Do.
I didn’t read beyond the headlines. I was afraid of what I might discover. What if I don’t live up to the standards of sources like huffingtonpost.com … elitedaily.com … popsugar.com … elephantjournal.com?
Of course I do know some things the Bible teaches that real men do. To name a few: They love their wives sacrificially, purely, selflessly, and permanently (Ephesians 5:25-33). They nurture and train their children and don’t make it hard for their children to honor them (Ephesians 6:4). They exercise self-control (Titus 2:2,6). They pray (1 Timothy 2:8).
I know something else real men do. They look beyond themselves and try to make a difference in the world.
Some of those men are hosting a special community event for men on January 25-26 at Decatur’s First Baptist Church. Included in this event are: a free meal both evenings, video segments from the outstanding video series “Kingdom Man” by well-known speaker/author Tony Evans, and speakers from several area churches. I will be emceeing this event, which runs from 6:00 – 9:30 each evening. You can find more here. Registration is necessary by Thursday, January 21 if you want to enjoy the meals.
This column is not intended simply to publicize a particular event. Many who will read it do not live near Decatur. Those who read it here may even be reading it after the event is over.
No, my purpose is to highlight the intent behind the event. Here’s a group of regular guys—not preacher types or “vocational” ministers—who meet together regularly to study the Bible and encourage one another. They recently went through this video series together and it impacted their lives. In fact, it impacted their lives enough that they began asking one another how they might share it with more men.
So, without the guidance of “professionals,” they planned something and took the responsibility for implementing their plan. (Don’t forget that amateurs built the Ark; professionals built the Titanic).
Real men care. Real men dream. Real men take initiative and responsibility. Real men make a difference in the world because they have a sense of calling.
Real men make a difference in the world because they have a sense of calling. Click To Tweet
“Professionals” don’t get things done. They inspire, assist, equip, empower, and get out of the way.
Professionals don’t get things done. They inspire, assist, equip, empower, and get out of the way. Click To Tweet
Real men … real women … real boys and girls … all our lives matter to God.
What calling has He put in your heart?
