Manhood.
Over ten years ago, before we were married, my wife and I went to a large Christian conference. One session we sat in looked at the topic of biblical manhood and womanhood. At the time I was serious about desiring Authrine to be my wife, and Authrine was content to take her time considering the desire. I remember quite clearly listening to the teaching on biblical manhood and womanhood and having second thoughts on the whole marriage enterprise.
The reason for the reversal in my thoughts was getting face to face with what God expects from a man. Although my Dad exemplified manhood in his dealings with his wife and children, with his job and his commitment to the church, I never really took it on. I had been cruising all my life, not really breaking a sweat to truly get to wherever it was I thought I was going. I had aspirations and nice goals, but hadn’t really put in the effort to look to achieve it.
I sat and heard about the importance of a man being responsible, diligent, worshipful, occupied with the things of God, someone who cultivates, subdues and dominates and is essentially fruitful in what he does as he follows in the way of Christ. As I heard all of that and considered where I was at with that I thought myself to be woefully short of those standards. Did I ever feel inadequate.
Despite the misgivings and reservations I had, Authrine got into the idea of getting married and we did so. To be perfectly honest with you, I don’t think I had a clue about my responsibilities because I had never exercised my responsibilities as a single man.
Today I am grateful that I was that guy and by God’s grace I am no longer that guy.
I am grateful today that I can be honest with my frailties and faults, but recognise that the closer walk with Jesus has helped me considerably with understanding and living what it is to be a man. I am grateful that today my wife knows I love her, love God and love the path to becoming the man God created me to be. I am grateful that my three daughters respect and honour me as their Daddy and approach me as a source of support in areas of their lives.
I am grateful today that I turn up to work, put in my best to be effective and efficient, productive and proficient for God’s glory to enhance the place in which I work. I am grateful that my desire to work both in paid work and in other areas is more pronounced than ever before and so I am not content cruising.
I am grateful that I have relationships with men who inform my manhood in the light of Christ. I am grateful that I communicate with them and they communicate with me to help me grow up into maturity. I am grateful for other sources of sound, strong biblical teaching on how being a Christ-like man is the best way to live.
I am grateful and will endeavour to reflect my gratitude by ongoing progression in growing in knowing the Ultimate Man.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 
I like this line very much… “I am grateful to have relationships with men who inform my manhood in the light of Christ.” I am feeling grateful for that too. Beautifully written, great post!
Dear Walter – thanks very much for the words of encouragement. I am also delighted to hear that you are also in such a privileged position to have Christlike men helping form Christ in you. Ever onwards, my brother!