Manhood

I recently responded to a post on a Christian social media website called "When did you become a man?" It has to do with growing up and transforming from a boy into a man. I posted a reply and got much positive feedback. I had people asking me if they could use my points and share them. I told them I would be honoured. So I have decided to share my reply to that thread here because it seems to be an encouragement. God bless!

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I would say that manhood is achieved in CHARACTER at different stages for different men. The biology is simple. But Christ-like character in a man is a journey, a process.

Here are some lessons I have learned in my journey in Christ:

1) "No" is a completely valid sentence. We must not agree to everything people try to "enlist" us to do. Don't buckle to what others want if it is against your convictions in Christ.

2) Manhood must be tested. We must go through trials and come through with our trust firmly in Christ. (Jesus in the wilderness.)

3) Manhood is marked with humility tempered with boldness.

4) Manhood means controlling self, not others. Especially our tongue.

5) Manhood means being a courageous leader, even when no one else will step up and follow.

6) Manhood shows extreme gentleness.

7) Manhood means charting a course far from sexual (or other) sin, and being Spirit Led.

8) Manhood means recognizing the difference between something you can fix and something only Christ can fix.

9) Manhood will always take time to listen to and love his wife (for married men). Her needs come before his own wants or desires. Yet he is bold enough to always put the Will of God first.

10) Manhood does not run from the light. He stands and accepts responsibility for his own wrongs. He also knows Christ has forgiven him. He is strong enough to receive correction, and humble enough to implement said correction.

11) Manhood means starting. When God calls us, when will we respond? Will we press through those "imperfect" circumstances and press in to know the Lord? Or will we try to get "ideal" circumstances first? (See 1Cor. 7:17-24 - no condition of life should stop us from heeding the call... God always calls us to do something we CAN do, in Him. He will NOT call you to something you cannot do. If you meet resistance from the world, the flesh, or the devil along the way, then press in!)

12) Manhood means knowing when to be vulnerable and when not to be. (See Samson's story in the Bible).
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Still learning, still growing!
Blessings, Pastor Curtis