I don't know if it is ever beneficial for a woman to tell a man that he is not manly enough. For some reason, it does not elicit a need to be manly, and usually only leaves the bad aftertaste of being under-appreciated. The problem is that the woman is usually right, at least about or in the circumstance in which the statement is said.
A man who knows he is not being manly enough may, if he notices that criticism from his wife or girlfriend is not enabling him to soar in beneficial ways of masculine power and leadership, may seek other men to mentor him and tell him to be manly.
The question then becomes redundant, poignant, but hopefully beneficial in its simplicity (which is why all women think men are stupid to some degree, no matter how smart we actually are).
The question is this: Are you man enough to tell yourself to be a man?
You know that your mom, wife, girlfriend, or female anyone cannot encourage your masculinity by telling you that what you are doing or what/who you are is not enough. You figure that other men could tell you, but if you've realized that you want other men to tell you to be a man and tell you what you do, then you often already know, and so forgo seeking the counsel of the men who would tell you what you would tell them if they were to ask.
But why then does a man not act upon his self-found (or Godly given, in some cases) wisdom in the humility and aggressive service of a man in all of his roles, not simply give himself his own advice and do what he says?
Better yet, why does he not read about manliness in the scriptures to confirm what he already suspected was the answer, and do what it says, it being the Word.
So the question stands: Are you man enough to tell yourself to be a man?
Sg
Why didn't the Israelites seek their god in the desert? Why didn't they turn to his scripture in the darkest days of Jerusalem?
ReplyDelete"lean not on thine own understanding"
I agree that at all times our understanding of reality should be based on the Word and Wisdom of God.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that at times the implication of what wisdom God gives us to meditate on is passive, but at other times our role is active, supported in the James' "faith without works is dead" statement. I was not very clearly faith based in this pose because I want all that I say to stem from scriptural exegesis.
I believe that in masculinity, when it comes to dealing with those whom we serve as men (starting with our wives/girlfriends, then children, and our fellow man), then our role becomes more than a passive "leaning" on the understanding of God, but incorporating the wisdom of God's understanding into an aggressive and motivated style of strong masculine actions of service.
So when I say: "Are you man enough to tell yourself to be a man?" My assumed truth, crux,and basis for the statement is that what being a man looks like is found in the Word and understanding of God.
I hope this further explains the post, and I appreciate the accountability and comments. Let me know if you disagree or question anything here as well, as I rarely if ever become upset over criticism of my writing.
Let me know if you'd be interested in sharing your blog with my wife and I, as we'd like to read more biblically based blogs.
Bryan Widstrand
aka
Sg
Well said Bryan. I tell my fiance all that he is doing for our family but I try my best to rebuke him in a loving way so that he knows that I am watching but that I am willing to help. I recommend God to him all the time because I know that he needs the Man of all Men to help him truly be the man he was made to be. I see so much in him and no matter how much of a man he may not show I know it is in there. I continue to pray that the Lord will help him to realize this and be stronger for not only his family but for God as well. Thanks for your perspective on this. God Bless!
ReplyDelete