This was in the archives somewhere but I can't find it. This is a decent article from the Gleaner, back in 2005.

Real men, men of God

By Marva Gordon-Bailey , Contributor

Western Bureau:

OUR CULTURE is filled with symbols and stigmas, icons and imageries that define the real man. It is promulgated in our songs, advertised on TV, portrayed in plays, and in the general drama of everyday living. Manhood is today assessed by the number of women with which one "scores" and the number of children that are the consequences. Regrettably, most women and society as a whole have accepted those portrayals as the true definition of a real man. However, as we celebrate this Father's Day, and as a gift to fathers, the general society needs to take a firm stand in positively re-defining manhood -- a defining that will separate real men, true fathers from mere sperm donors.

A real man is defined by five relational areas of his life: (1) his relationship with God, (2) his relationship with his wife, (3) his relationship with his child/children (4) how he relates to his work, and (5) how he relates to himself.

Man's personal walk with God enables him to fulfil these and all the other aspects of his relationship. The Bible, the Word of God, should provide the guidelines to all his personal relationships. God has established the man as the leader and head of his household (Eph. 5:23). He is the spiritual leader of the home, leading his family in prayer and worship. Unfortunately, this is not the norm in most spheres. Approximately 90 per cent of our churches are comprised of women and children. Where are the men? A real man is one who submits control of his life to God. He trusts God with his plans, his hopes and his dreams, recognising his total dependence upon Him.

A real man is one who finds a suitable woman, and commits to her by marrying her. Many of our women today cannot say "my husband" or "my spouse"; rather very proudly they speak of "my baby father". This was never God's intention for an intimate relationship between a man and woman. God gave one woman, Eve, to one man Adam (Gen. 2:22) whom he took as his wife. This records the first marriage of humanity, an example that God still expects us to follow today. And, the emphasis here is on one woman with whom Adam became one flesh in a marriage relationship (Gen. 2:24).

A real man loves and nurtures his wife. It is often said that God did not create Eve from a bone in Adam's head, because she was not intended to be the leader; nor from his foot because she was not to be trodden on. Rather, God took a bone from Adam's side, because she was to be his partner-having different functions, but equal in value as a person. Ephesians 5:25 challenges husbands, real men, to "love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her." How much do you really love yourself? A real man "fathers" his children. Fathering one's child requires one to be in the home, providing guidance, discipline and affirmation for one's child. Discipline and affirmation are two sides of the same coin -- both are born out of love.

A father does not only apply disciplinary measures when his children are wrong, but also he affirms or praises them when they have done what is right. (Eph. 6:4a, Eph.6: 1). Many fathers fail to recognise the position of honour they hold in the eyes of their children. Your children are learning and you are the teacher. The kind of father you are today determines the kind of husband and father your son will be tomorrow, and the kind of husband your daughter will want to marry.

A real man works. Work is not the curse of man's "Fall". God instituted work long before the fall -- (Gen 2:15). As leader of the home, the man needs to provide financial security for his family. The balancing act in providing financial security is living within one's means. According to Apostle Paul, whether in seasons of need or plenty seek to be content whatever situation you find yourself (Phil. 4:11, 12). As the leader, teach this to your wife and children. It is also noteworthy that a workaholic is the opposite of a lazy man, but still an unacceptable circumstance as it relates to the family. Seek a right balance on the work continuum -- Set apart some time to worship God, to nurture your wife, to love your children, as well as some personal time.

A real man sets and pursues personal goals. What kind of man are you in the quiet recesses of your mind? Seek to set personal goals in all aspects of your life. Firstly, pursue personal holiness-spend time in prayer and devotion with your heavenly Father. Consider the kind of husband that God desires you to be -- one who loves and cherishes his wife. Consider also the kind of father God wants you to be -- one who not only disciplines but also affirms his children. Finally, consider the kind of employee -- a man of integrity who works hard to build his organisation. Set standards for yourself and your family based on biblical principles and trust in God to help you live by these standards. It is only then that you will reap the benefits that all real men enjoy: a life that God will so bless, the love and respect from wife and children, and an exemplary life that other men will want to emulate. This is a Christian life that will lead to Eternal life in the Kingdom of God. On this Father's Day we seek to honour the men who have embraced the challenge to be good husbands, and fathers, and to be real men: men of God. Happy Father's Day!


Pastor Marva Gordon-Bailey is currently at South-eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Raleigh, North Carolina.

(Article found in the Jamaican Gleaner)

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

Since when does being a real man require one be a Christian?

Not to mention, its a rather sexist point of view.

Christianity, like Judaism and Islam makes women out to be 2nd class citizens.

Haven't you ladies had enough of that by now?

I don't see any women's signatures on any of the holy books, do you?



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Destroyer Of Worlds

Its an article, not the law. Everyone has their own opinion.

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

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I have........

DOUBLE CO-SIGN

CO-Sign x3!!!!!!!

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my brother speaks truth
wait!
i am not a christian man so i am not a real man so i canna have a real opinion

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I know you said
Why can't you just get over it,
It turned my whole world around
and i kind of like it
I made by bed, and I sleep like a baby,
With no regrets and I don't mind saying,
It's a sad sad story
That a mother will teach her daughter
that she ought to hate a perfect stranger.
And how in the world
Can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they'd write me a letter
Saying that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over

hahaha... agreed wit xexon...

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To quote the honorable and wise Gandhi:

" I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."



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Destroyer Of Worlds

lol i remember that
yes most christians are as molded by the church they attended

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I know you said
Why can't you just get over it,
It turned my whole world around
and i kind of like it
I made by bed, and I sleep like a baby,
With no regrets and I don't mind saying,
It's a sad sad story
That a mother will teach her daughter
that she ought to hate a perfect stranger.
And how in the world
Can the words that I said
Send somebody so over the edge
That they'd write me a letter
Saying that I better shut up and sing
Or my life will be over

That too is a generalisation is it not

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GENERALLY speaking....its true

That's quite clever; I like that one. Of course Ghandi was full of clever, wasn't he now.

Anyway, this is a landmark day... I agree with two of Xexon's posts in a row.

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