What makes a man?

In today’s society, young men are adrift, lacking true role models to demonstrate what it really means to be a man. Many puff out their chests, strutting through life under the false belief that manhood is measured by the weight of their wallets, the number of wives and children they have, or the fear they instill in others. Some even believe that bulging muscles define their worth.

This misguided attitude has created a society in decline, where men chase wealth by any means necessary—be it legal or not—driven by poor morals and an absence of accountability. The true meaning of being a man has been lost in the noise of greed, ego, and foolishness. 

It’s time for men to rediscover why they are called men. It’s more than just a title; it’s a responsibility.

In a quiet village nestled between rolling hills and ancient forests, tales were told of what it meant to be a true man. Among the elders, there was a saying: "Years do not forge a man, nor does the passage of time grant him wisdom." It was whispered that many had walked the earth for decades, yet their hearts remained as untamed as the wild winds, lacking the maturity and sound reasoning that defined true manhood.

In this village, it was understood that a man was not measured by the beard on his face or the deepness of his voice. For some believed that the strength of a man lay not in his physical attributes, but in the depth of his soul. The bravest among them knew that a man’s worth could not be quantified by the size of his home or the riches he amassed. True manhood was not found in the abundance of children or the number of wives who called him husband. No, these things alone did not define him.

The villagers revered those who provided for their families, but they knew that being a provider was but one facet of a greater truth. They spoke of men who had children, yet did not father them in spirit, and of those with wives, yet lacked the heart to truly cherish them. Wealth, they said, was fleeting, and so too were the trappings of earthly success.

The elders would gather the young men around the fire, telling them that a true man was one who mirrored the character of God Himself. Such a man respected the Almighty with a reverence that guided his every action. In his heart, he carried the knowledge of the Divine, and this knowledge shaped the way he treated women, nurtured his children, and walked among his peers. He was a pillar of responsibility, a beacon of self-respect, and a servant of God in all things.

In this way, they taught that love was the essence of manhood, for love was the very nature of God. And to be a man with love was to be a man completed by the presence of God within him. In the end, they said, it was not the beard, the voice, the wealth, or the family that made a man. It was the God who dwelt in his heart, guiding his every step with a love that was pure, unwavering, and eternal.

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ 

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.  

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." 🙏🏽