I couldn't agree more!

Manhood as defined by the Bible requires men to put the needs and best interests of others before their own. It's about living sacrificially. A man uses his strength and influence to help others and defend those who cannot defend themselves. Read how manly this verse sounds and how it speaks powerfully to a man's heart:

"I rescued the poor who cried for help and the fatherless who had none to assist him...I made the widows heart sing...I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger. I broke the fangs of the wicked and snatched the victims from their teeth." Job 29:12, 13, 15-17 (NIV).

God gives men a mandate throughout the bible to protect women and children and be His representative here on earth. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress" James 1:27 (NIV)…

Authentic men are passionate, fierce, and noble-they care. In fact, they are a little dangerous, but it's a good dangerous. You might not see this passion on the exterior, but it's bubbling under pressure just beneath the surface, forcing its way into every area of his life. They have a spiritual longing for adventure, for a battle to fight that's bigger than themselves, for significance in their lives. Like modern-day gladiators they stand in the ring facing the challenges of life with courage and passion.

Wow! I couldn’t agree more. Each aging year, I become more aware of my mortality. I've drawn the conclusion that those who are honored in their afterlife -- gave their lives for the well-being of others. Whether it was a symbolic or literal death, the individuals most consider truly worthy of honor are those who gave up something for their present quality of life.

When is the last time that you gave something of yourself without expecting a return? Possibly today or yesterday for your kid… How about outside of your immediate family? Quite honestly, I am challenged by the Bible’s encouragement to look after ‘orphans and widows’. I can’t recall the last time I intentionally served a parentless child or a woman who had lost a husband. In America, there’s a growing trend of men who choose not to care for their own children, yet alone caring for orphans and widows.

Here are some direct challenges inspired from the quote posted above.

1. What would your family, friends, and peers say that you are passionate about? Does your passion align with God’s will? Do you care if your passions support His will?

2. What would those who are in your circle of influence say you are ‘fighting’ that will influence eternity (‘bigger than you’)? If you were to die today, what would your family say you stood for?

3. Is there proof that you demonstrate courage in pursuing your passions and dealing with daily life issues?

Knowing the ‘for sure’ answers to these questions may give the direction, which you are headed. If you would be disappointed with your representation at your own funeral; it’s time to make some changes. Connect your will to God’s plan, and go after what you really want out of life. Living a life for others with good intentions and under God’s authority is fulfilling, exciting, and culture altering.

Small unusual steps towards your goals are better than not moving at all. http://www.intouch.org/resources/all-things-are-new/content/topic/how_do_i_accept_jesus_as_my_savior_all_things

The excerpt was taken from a blog entitled In Search of Masculinity –Part 2 (http://blogs.christianpost.com/parenting/in-search-of-masculinity-part-2-622/) written by Rick I. Johnson.