May we NOT just pass over these passages, but think on, and store them in our heart’s, men. These are the characteristics that God calls for in His men.
Deut. 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”(God to Israel)
Joshua 1:5-7, 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. (God to Joshua)
2 Samuel 10:12 Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” (Joab to the army of Israel)
1 Kings 2:1-2, 1 When David’s time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2“I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man. (David to Solomon)
1 Chron. 22:13 Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed. (David to Solomon)
2 Chron. 32: 7-8, 7“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. (Hezekiah to the people of Israel)
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Psalm 31:24 Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD.
Proverbs 24: 5 A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.
1 Cor. 16:13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (Paul to Christian men)
Philippians 1:27 Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel. (Paul to Christians)
1 Peter 5: 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. (Peter to Christians)
Jude 1:3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude to Christians)
As we can see, this is NOT a tough guy, nor worldly strength. It’s not a strength as the world would define it, or sometimes even as we would define it, but it is a strength built on every world that proceeds from the mouth of God. It’s a strength built on complete faith, longsuffering, and perseverance.
So then, what is the biblical core value of a man? It’s FORTITUDE, which is defined as firmness, strength of soul, faces changes with courage, and endures pain without complaint. Fortitude is a character that bears suffering, attacks difficulty, and protects from harm.
And as protectors, we watch-out for dangers, with deep convictions based on God’s truth, and we live out the truth no matter the cost. There’s no big talkers, but doers among God’s men.
Along with fortitude, is INTEGRITY. Which is defined as: Unbreakable, immoveable, steadfast character to moral truth. These are God’s standards for men leading in the home, the church, and in society.
It’s time to stand strong, stand firm, and answer the call of God with relentlessness. Men, we will be tested often, but, when men secure their homes in truth, there will be peace. God-fearing men don’t give into fear, nor pressure, or temptation, but live continually with the utmost fortitude. In our homes we lead by example, in our churches we both teach and receive the full gospel of Christ, and in society, we declare Who we stand with by the way we live. All for the glory and praise of God. So, where are you men? The challenge was sent out long ago and it’s time to stand-up and step-out. Who’s with me?
By: Daniel C. Rodgers