A Real Man...

Well last week, I shared with you a list that had the traits of a "real" woman. This week, I want to share with you the list that goes along with that one. These are character qualities of a "real" man as defined by two teenage girls. I don't know how many, if any, guys actually read my blog, but I just want to clarify my purpose in sharing this list with you all. I'm not trying to set an impossible standard for guys or girls, but these are all qualities that we should always be striving after. We should each be praying for our brothers & sisters in Christ & I think that these lists give a good place to start. And if there are any guys reading this, I just want to encourage you. If you've ever wondered what a Christian girl is attracted to in a guy, I can definitely confirm what those things are. (Hey, you don't spend 2 semesters in a girl's dorm without hearing all about their "dream" guy! Lol.) For most girls, it isn't that complicated. (i.e. You don't have to look like an Abercrombie model or anything, ;) The majority of girls really just want a spiritual leader. A guy who isn't afraid to let God work in his life & then live out the result of his own relationship with the Lord. Yeah, not going to lie, I love it when a guy is a gentlemen in his actions (opening doors, helping with heavy stuff...etc. It's nice =), but I've met too many guys who are a gentlemen in their deeds but not in their words. They try to fit in & impress other around them & it's really hard to respect a guy who will say things, or make off-color jokes just to be accepted. I have quite a few really good guy friends who hold themselves to a higher standard in this area, & let me tell you, I respect them & appreciate their leadership so much! So anyways, without further delay...or my confusing chatter, I give you the guy's list. What makes "A Real Man"

Lori Hainline & Rebecca Chandler co-authored this list at the respective ages of 19 and 17. Their closing comment: This list is not exhaustive and men like this do exist!

A real man . . .
…understands and lives according to the basic purposes for which he was created: to worship, honor, and serve God. (Romans 12:1-2)

…values and carefully handles the scriptures. (2 Timothy 2:15)

…doesn’t pride himself on being knowledgeable in the sinful ways of the world. (1 John 2:15-16, James 4:4, Philippians 4:8)

A real man . . .
…isn’t embarrassed to worship God and pray in a group setting.(Mark 8:38)

…is wise, yet humble. (Proverbs 2:1-10, 1 Peter 5:5, Romans 12:16)

A real man . . .
…takes leadership in a self-sacrificing way. (Ephesians 5:25-28)

…is kind because, “What is desirable in man is his kindness”(Proverbs 19:22)

…doesn’t try to prove himself but is simply confident as he walks in the fear of the Lord. (Proverbs 14:26-27)

…doesn’t put others down with his actions, attitude, words, or his strength. But on the contrary, he affirms and builds others up(Proverbs 15:4, Ephesians 4:29)

A real man . . .
…treats his sisters and mother with as much respect as he would treat a prospective wife. (Matthew 25:21)

…not only respects but appreciates a young lady’s purity and innocence. In our culture innocence isn’t retained by accident. (2 Corinthians 11:2-3)

…values his purity as much as he values a young lady’s purity. He is not ashamed to live and act differently from the world in order to guard himself. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Ecclesiastes 7:26)

…can look a girl straight in the eye without communicating any impurity. (Proverbs 20:11

A real man . . .
…isn’t ashamed to identify himself with his family (Ephesians 6:2-3)

…is a gentleman. He is polite and shows women honor in everyday things such as opening doors, etc. (1 Peter 3:7)

…has no desire to be gross in order to impress other men. He doesn’t burp, swear, or tell disgusting stories. (Proverbs 13:5, Ephesians 5:4)

A real man . . .
…shows by his actions that he loves children. (Matthew 19:13-14)

…is pleasant and expresses joy rather than feeling that it’s masculine to be sullen. (Proverbs 21:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:16)

…doesn’t blame others for his own problems but embraces responsibility. (Proverbs 12:27)

…can accept correction (Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 29:1)

A real man . . .
…is mature in his emotions and his expressions of them. He can deal with the trials of life logically, with wisdom, not on a basis of emotional instability. (Proverbs 14:29, Proverbs 17:27, Proverbs 12:18)

…understands the value of work and is financially responsible.(Colossians 3:23-24, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, Luke 16:10-11)

…expresses himself with intelligent words rather than using “street talk”. (Proverbs 17:20, Titus 2:6-8, 1 Peter 4:11, Ephesians 4:29)