I had a moment of revelation the other day. Have you ever had one of those? One moment I'm pondering this question and the next moment I know the answer--at least, I think I do. Let's start with the question.
What makes a man?
I used to be really worried about this kind of question. I didn't feel like I fit the mold. I've never been much of a sports fan. When I first heard of March Madness, I was in college and I thought it had something to do with Seasonal Affective Disorder! I know more about cooking crepes and growing roses than I do about cars, basketball, or carpentry and I'm built like a broomstick. Nonetheless, I eventually became comfortable in my own skin, but then I still wondered: what makes a man? What is a manly man, anyway?
My moment of revelation came when I started to approach this question like I approach most others. I started thinking in terms of my faith. What does the Bible say about men. What do I think God purposed in me, as a man? I can't really find many--or any--verses that describe just what a man should be. The one that comes closest is the one in Ephesians that talks about a husband: Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the church. Perplexing. Profound. Pointed.
So, what do I think the answer is? I think I've had it backwards all along--and I'm not talking about March Madness. I was aiming to become like a man when in reality, I already was a man. How silly is that? I should not be aiming to become like other men, but rather aim to be more like Christ in character. God didn't create me to be a manly man. He created me to be a godly man.
No comments:
Post a Comment