Each One Teach One

                              

What is a man? That question has taken on a significance in today’s world that many would have never expected. However, even without considering the added complexities introduced by the modern world, the question of what makes a man can still be a difficult one to answer. Different societies and cultures ascribe different responsibilities and traits to men and manhood, but there are some qualities that seem to be universal. Strength, leadership, willingness to sacrifice - no matter where you go on earth, men are usually expected to exhibit those traits. They certainly are important traits for individuals to have, but they don’t just benefit the people that hold them. They are important for families and society as a whole. If all men exhibited those traits and many of the other qualities expected of men, the world would likely be a much better place.

Unfortunately, not all men exhibit the sample of traits listed above let alone all the ones not mentioned. On top of that, there are a number of bad traits that are also attributed to men, and too many men exhibit too many of those. This shouldn’t surprise anyone. Men, after all, are human, and humans are imperfect, but just because we are imperfect doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim to be better. Lucky for us, we have a manual that, among other things, gives us the guidance for being better people - the Bible.

The Bible also associates the previously mentioned qualities with manhood, but it doesn’t just stop there.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness - Titus 2:6-7

We often talk about men being able to take control of the world, situations, other people, etc…, but far too often we neglect to talk about how men should strive to have control of themselves. We’ve seen what happens when people forget about that very important quality. God didn’t forget though. He knows how important self control has been and always will be. The other important part of the above verse is the attention it gives to setting an example and teaching others. It’s not enough to be a leader. It’s not even enough to be a good person. A real man, a Godly man, has to be willing to set an example and teach others.

Perhaps that is a big problem with what’s wrong with today’s world and the role of men within it. Sometimes right and wrong seem easy to define, but in practice, people seem to have trouble picking the former over the latter. We all encounter situations that pressure us and put us in tough situations, and it can be difficult consistently making the right choices. Faith in Jesus and reliance on the Holy Spirit are the solutions to that problem, but for most, it takes guidance to find those solutions.

That’s why believers have to understand that there is another important quality that all Godly men should have - a commitment to sharing the Gospel.

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. - 2 Timothy 2:2-3

God has a path that he wants his people to follow. Society might not have a clear cut ideal for what a man should be, but God does. Any of us that feel like we know what that standard should be, have a duty to not only do our best to exhibit that standard but also to to help others understand it and exhibit it as well.

There is a common sentiment among teachers - the best way to make sure you know or can do something is to teach someone. The reasoning behind that sentiment is that teaching can be difficult, and to be able to help someone else understand something, you have to have a really good handle on it yourself.  Similarly, if you really want to set an example for someone, you have to be someone that can display the characteristics you expect others to embody.  As with everything that works by God’s design, the pieces of this puzzle fit together very well. Any man who seeks to be a good and Godly man should also have the desire to help others become good and Godly men. One day God will create his nation, and He will need more than a few good men. Let’s all do our jobs to make sure He has them.

Chris Lawyer

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