Hey Alabama Father’s Day Question: What Is A Real Man?

What is a Real Man? It's Father's Day weekend, and what better time to kick this question around.

Let's get into that question with the help of my friend and Townsquare Media co-host, Scott McCown from Central Church of Christ, and see if we can find a real man these days.

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So, we ask you again, what is a real man?

man flexing muscles

What does it take to have and keep a “man-card?” If we told you we voluntarily eat at a chicken salad establishment, does that disqualify us? There are many testosterone-laden ideas about manhood.  There are many who laugh at what they consider to be “weak” or “soft” men.  But what is a real man? Really?!

We suggest looking at the men in the Bible to get a good picture of the reality of God’s real man.  Here are three men who we think paint a complete picture for us.

The first is a man we know as Onesimus. Onesimus!?  Wasn’t he a runaway slave?  Yes, that is Onesimus. Great, a Spartacus figure in the Bible.  That is a real man! Wait!  Don't get ahead of us; Onesimus is not like the typical view of a runaway slave like Spartacus or The Gladiator.  This slave had real manly characteristics.  He was Teachable.  In Phlm 10-11, we find that he ran to Paul, through Paul's teaching became a Christian, and was willing to repent to the point of returning to Philemon.

Because he was Accountable (cf. Phlm 12-16).  He was willing not only to accept his mistakes but also to do his part to make them right.  He could say he was wrong and make the needed changes.

The second example is the Apostle Peter.  Peter was a Worker for God. In Acts 10:24-34, we read of Peter’s willingness to allow God to use him to break new ground and take the message of the Good News to the Gentiles.

This would require Peter to be quite Courageous. It is Peter who volunteers to step out of the boat.  It is Peter who brashly claims he will never forsake Jesus.  It is Peter who confesses that Jesus is the Messiah.

We also see Peter as a Devoted Husband. Paul writes of Peter, “Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas (Peter)?” 1 Cor 9:5- ESV.  Peter demonstrates his devotion to his wife when he instructs, “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1 Pt 3:7. 

Peter was a gruff, weathered fisherman who was strong yet Willing to weep. When he realized his weakness and recalled his failure, Peter showed self-disappointment by weeping and repenting – cf. Mt 26:75.

The ultimate example of a real man is Jesus.

Jesus was Submissive to the will of the Father and the spiritual needs of mankind.

Jesus was Prayerful.  If the Son of God saw the need to pray and made special time for prayer while He was walking the earth,  then men everywhere should lift up holy hands and hearts in prayer.

Jesus was Child–friendly.  He took time for children, even when the disciples thought they would be a bother to Him (Mk 10:13-16).  Children are important to God, and a real man will care for them.  A real man will treat children with kindness, knowing that they are the present and future of the Kingdom of God (the Church) on earth.

Jesus was the supreme example of a compassionate man. Jesus would look on the multitudes and have compassion for their needs.  Compassion is more than empathy.  Compassion leads one to do what they can to help relieve those needs.  Jesus lived that compassion.

What is a Real Man?  He is more than what the world considers “manly.” A real man is complete.

Real men (and real women) follow the example and commands of Christ!