HOPE FOR TODAY: What is a real man?

Tony Fadell was the architect of something you have probably heard of – the iPod. Under the direction of Apple CEO, Steve Jobs, Fadell and his team developed the new technology. What was the purpose for this industry-changing gadget? According to Jobs, it was to put “1,000 songs in your pocket”.

The God of heaven and earth is the architect of human beings making them male and female, and He wants to put a purpose in every man’s heart. God has created men for a much higher calling then what we observe in society. First, there is the TV-sitcom guy. He is portrayed as lazy, lacking character and more interested in being entertained than anything else. Then there is the work-all-the-time guy. This type of man is viewed as a workaholic, highly driven and finds his personal worth tethered to his occupation.

God called it “good” when he made the man and into the fabric of his being He built an instinctive desire to protect, provide and lead. However, that is to be carried out within the framework of two very important commandments. Love God and love others.

This is where men get side tracked and draw some valid criticism. The TV-sitcom guy thinks life is about his fun, and the work-all-the-time guy, his career. In neither case is there a humble attitude of love through service to those whom the man has been given responsibility for.

God has a vision for every man. It is discovered through Jesus, the standard for all men. He was the hardest working man of His day, and during a time of crisis we saw the heart of this man’s man. It was the moment He suffered and died on His cross. He willingly laid down His life for the sake of others. Men are called to live the same way.

Regardless if a man is married or single, he is urged to observe the attitude of humility that spills out of this Scripture “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).

Jesus has pioneered a new path for all men. Turn to Him and aspire to become the kind of man He was and still is today. May He be your hope for today and model for genuine manhood.