Introduction
Everywhere we look, there is a shortage of responsible men. Women, especially, are looking for men who will lead, but with love and gentleness. Business, government, education, the military – all seek men of integrity, courage, and initiative. Churches, too, require men to serve as elders, deacons, teachers, and friends. In the following pages, you will find the description of what we shall call "Real Men," penned by a man who exemplified all the highest qualities of manhood – hard work, courage, perseverance, honesty, humility, faith, hope, and above all, love. His successes and his sufferings surely qualified the Apostle Paul to speak on this subject, and he has done so in several places, including the short letter to Titus. Each of these meditations is purposely short, so that we may spend time pondering the words of the Bible and praying for God to make us into Real Men.
Titus 1:6-9 Real Men (1)
"If a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination… not self-willed, not quick tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught…" In his letter to Titus, the Apostle Paul provides us with a sketch of the kind of man qualified to serve as a leader in the church. We'll survey his description quickly, then examine each quality more closely later. A real man puts his family first. He remains pure before marriage, and faithful to his wife afterwards. He takes time to love, instruct, and correct his children. He doesn't insist on his own way. His temper does not flare up at the least provocation. He is not mastered by alcohol (or drugs, or food). He never resorts to violence, especially at home. Rather than merely pursuing money, he seeks to give to others. He loves what is good, not what he can gain from life. He controls his thoughts and, thus, his emotions. A real man fulfills all his obligations. He does not forget God, but keeps Him uppermost in his mind. For that purpose, he studies God's word and holds on to it faithfully. Who can measure up to such a standard? Only Jesus Christ! That is why real men humble themselves before God, confessing their faults, asking forgiveness, and trusting in Christ as their savior, day by day. May God raise up more men who seek to be like Christ: blameless and holy!