It is a Great Thing to be a Man

Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes, His commandments, His rules, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn. — 1 Kings 2:2-3

It probably won’t surprise you to learn that I’ve never been a woman. If I were, I’m sure I would see amazing benefits of being a female. But since it’s just us, let’s dwell on the high calling of being a man.

Have you ever considered that it is a blessing to be a man? Practically, we get the ease of peeing standing up. Physically, we tend to have more body mass to get manual things done. While not always right, throughout history, we have had opportunities available to us that weren’t available to women.

One of the craziest, most inspiring passages in the Bible takes place when the great King David was on his deathbed. David called his son Solomon, who would be his successor, into his chambers for his final counsel. He didn’t tell him to be an enlightened individual or a mature adult, but to be a strong man. In some ways, this is freeing for us.

Men should be men! Men should live out the blessing that’s been given to them.

But it is also a challenge. “Be strong,” David said, “and show yourself a man” (1 Kings 2:2). Live up to that calling, he told Solomon, and prove your manhood.

We men must acknowledge the unique blessings that have come our way and put them into play. Being a man is a gift you should not squander. Do what Solomon was instructed to do. Prove yourself a man by:

• keeping God’s mission for your life
• walking in God’s way
• prospering in whatever you do

You have one life to lead. Make it count. Grab opportunities by the throat and hold on with all your strength as you honor God’s ways. If you do this, Scripture tells us that God will bless your efforts. Thank God right now for the blessing of being a man and the opportunities that are before you, then commit yourself to making the most of those opportunities.

PRAYER

God, the veil is lifted from my eyes. I see myself the way You see me, as a man who has great competency and the aptitude to take hold of possibilities. I want to use my strength to serve those who come across my path. I see an opportunity before me of ______________. I’m going to be a man and honor Your ways as I make that happen. Amen.

GET MOVING

1. Tell God what aspects of being a man you are thankful
2. What is your “strength”? Can you deadlift half a ton? Do you have a sharp mind? Do you have endurance?
3. Ask two other people what they believe your strengths are.

Watch the video

Excerpted with permission from Move Devotional: A Guide to Get Up and Go Forward by Brian Tome, copyright Brian Tome.

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