It is increasingly difficult in today’s word to be a good man. In the eyes of many in our culture, manhood is in a tailspin. Technology that replaces labor, the feminist movement and other social trends has produced a steady decline of the view of true manhood. The media and our culture engage in a subtle undermining of reputation of men. Manhood is under attack. Being a true man in our world is a difficult job. It requires courage and determination, because being a true Godly man is to go against our culture. Men in our culture are searching for what it means to be a man because that definition has been blurred and changed by many years of assault by the enemy. As Godly men, we look to the bible for God’s definition of what it means to be a man. Our text contains four concepts that define what it means to be a man. First Paul said to watch. He means to be alert, awake and concerned about where we are at all times. There are many enemies who will come at us. Paul was reminding us to be ever vigilant to remain focused on the most important things in life. We must watch ourselves; our minds and what we allow to come into our mind. When secondary issues become more important than the primary issues, we are in trouble. Our walk with God is chief among these primary issues. We must watch over our house. We must watch what comes in and what we allow to go on in our house. We have to watch against the subtle things that creep in; the temptation that come daily. A true man is one that is watchful about what truly matters. Second Paul said that we must stand fast in the faith. To stand fast is a military term meaning to keep rank; to stay in step with the other soldiers. To be a true man, we have to learn how to keep in step and continue on in the face of adversity. Third Paul reminds us to act like men. It means be courageous in the face of battle. Do not flinch or turn away when facing the enemy. It speaks of a mature stability. God is calling for men who will hold on when it is easier to give up. FInally Paul encourages us to be strong. This is not physical strength, but spiritual strength. What makes a man strong is when he can look at temptation and say no and walk away from it. To become strong in spirit is to become strong in life. We have to be strong enough to close the door that will lead us down the path to where we do not need to be. True manhood is not defined by our culture. God defines true manhood and that has not changed. It take courage for men to be Godly men.
