Connecting Point: Exemplary Men

This weekend we like to celebrate fatherhood. It’s time to crank up the BBQ, get out into nature, and spend some leisure time together. The history of Father’s Day is directly tied to a West Virginia church which commemorated the death of 362 men who tragically died in a coal mine accident, the first annual holiday was on July 5, 1908. The following year a widow, Sonora Smart Dodd in Spokane, Washington, rallied support from local churches, YMCA and other businesses to memorialize fathers. Presidents Wilson and Coolidge followed suit and urged state

governments to join in recognizing this holiday.

Honor is one of those old words that has shown up in every advanced language group going back to Moses. Honor’s “good public esteem” dates from 13th century. Traditions do change but honor shouldn’t. It serves perfectly fine the way it is.

There are tons of ways that we define “manhood,” some of which are elementary and stereotypically poor. True, the locker room of manhood sexuality serves something. But authentic men, I’d say, have character and integrity. As a young man I remember looking up to trusted men in our family, church and community; dad and mom exempted perfection; however they stressed honesty.

Titus 2:6-8 says, “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 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”

Self-control is a character trait that our world desperately needs. Some of the headlines in the news don’t lie; they display a broken and confused world that lacks integrity and character. Young men in the country and the inner-city need other mature men in their lives who defend honor and honesty.

I appreciate the Gospel of Jesus because it models hope for any

person. As men we always have room for growth in our lives. We learn from our past sins and failures with this hope in mind, “There is no

condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, (Romans 8:1).”

Fathers and men, as you enjoy this holiday remember every day is an opportunity to be influential. Martin Luther King Jr wisely noted “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others.”

Isn’t it true that if we live in humility, our honor will be example enough?