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What does a real man look like? What physical attributes do manly men have? I am not at all a fan of professional football player, Tom Brady, but you have to admit he is a pretty physically flawless man. He is tall and muscular, without an ounce of fat. He has perfect teeth, perfect skin and neatly trimmed dark hair, but what does a real man look like? A real man is brave and strong, respectful, thoughtful considerate, courteous, well mannered and protective. A real man can replace a ball valve in your household plumbing, change the oil in your car and fix a gourmet meal, right? The world offers conflicting views of what a real man is all about. Some say that being a man requires grit, determination, and rock-solid abs. Others say that manliness is about getting in touch with one’s feelings, caring for the less fortunate, and being sensitive. Still others would include leadership skills, a good work ethic, physical stature and riches. Turns out, if you ask women, none of that ranks very high. Recent online surveys of more than 1,000 women between the ages of 21 and 54 conducted by BestLifeOnline.com found that women value personality far more than physical attractiveness. What women want in a man is faithfulness and dependability, a sense of humor, the ability to listen, and a sense of style. Only 13 percent of women cited muscular build as a factor in physical attractiveness. On the other hand, 66 percent of women said moral integrity will “make them quiver."
I believe Joseph the adopted father of Jesus was a great example of real man. He was a humble carpenter who lived a quiet life; in fact, the Bible doesn’t record a single word he said. Yet Joseph was hand-picked by God to be the adoptive father of the Messiah. Joseph was the one who protected the infant baby Jesus. In the word of God Joseph stood silent. He is spoken to, he is spoken about, but not a single word from Joseph is recorded. Joseph appeared on the scene for just a few moments when he is engaged to Mary. Matthew tells us that Joseph was “faithful to the law.”
Matthew 1:19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
After an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and encouraged him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, Joseph immediately obeyed. Later in the book of Matthew, an angel again appears to Joseph and commands him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt because King Herod wanted to kill Jesus. Again, Joseph immediately obeys the angel’s command and takes his family to Egypt, saving Jesus’ life. After Herod died, an angel once again appears to Joseph and commands him to return to Israel, which he does. The only other time Joseph is mentioned in the bible is when 12 year old Jesus was accidentally left behind in the temple in during the Passover. After that Joseph is not mentioned again in the entire new testament. But Joseph displayed a pattern of obedience. So if we follow this example real men are obedient to the word of God!
A real man chooses to obey the Lord. If a men obeys God he will bless him. Real men are obedient and obedience leads to blessings. If you do not understand why God is asking you to do something but you obey God anyone, he will reward you. Therefore, set a goal to obey God and watch him work in your life.
Joshua 1:8 NIV Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
