From Boyhood to Manhood

Almost everybody knows 1 Corinthians 13. It is the famous passage about love, but there is an often overlooked part of this passage. It is verse 11 of that chapter in which Saint Paul says, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child" (Douay-Rheims translation). So what does this all mean?

For me personally and for men in general this sums up the call to be real men. And what is real manhood? Real manhood is being a man who models himself in the image of Christ. Yes guys, it is true. Jesus is the best example of true manhood we have. And what are Jesus' characteristics? He is humble, courageous, selfless, just, respectful, strong, loving, forgiving, compassionate, and truth seeking just to name a few. In basic terms, real manhood is very different from what society labels it to be.

So what is the secular societal view of manhood? Well it depends on what sect of society you are talking about. In the mainstream, we see manhood portrayed as the tough guy who sleeps with a lot of women. This whole idea that real manhood is about being with as many women as possible and having sex. Further more, it has become expected that men look at women as objects. This viewpoint states that men should be devoid of emotion and that to show emotion is to be less manly or to be gay. On another end, we have a pull to the opposite. This comes from the militant feminist movement. This is the movement to emasculate men and get them more in touch with their "feminine" side.

The problem is both go too far. Yes it is perfectly acceptable for a man to cry. After all Jesus wept when Lazarus died. In fact, it is unhealthy for a man to be emotionally devoid. The thing is that a man does not have to be "in touch with his feminine side" to do this. Here is another thing, men can respect women without all the fluff. So what about that Jesus-like man? What is he like? How is he to function?

As I said earlier and restate again, the Jesus-like man reflects the characteristics of Jesus in himself. This is to be both in his conduct as well as his personal life. When he needs to be, he is tough. Yet he can also balance that by being gentle. He needs to be ever mindful of his choices and hold himself accountable. He must be willing to be firm in correcting others, but also forgiving of misdeeds. He must be able to aide his brother to improve while being every mindful of his own need for improvement. As Jesus said, "Remove the wood beam from your eye first, then remove the splinter from your brother's eye." It is the whole idea of recognizing one's own faults before pointing out those of another. This simple recognition is what we call humility, which everyone must seek. The Jesus-like man must also be respectful. That applies in his charity towards his fellow man no matter what the circumstance, as well as his treatment of women. The first comes in the recognition of the dignity and equality of the human person. Even if we do not like a person, there is still respect and care due to that person. This is not just a trait that should be held by men, but rather all people. The second is the idea that a woman is a beautiful pearl of God's creation. Women are His crown jewel as it were. Women are daughters of God (whether they know it or not). That means that since God is king, then women are princesses. The are worthy of the dignity and respect any prince worth his salt should be giving. Yes guys, women are not pieces of meat, they are people. Women are absolutely equal in dignity to men and should be treated as such.

So what is true manhood about, when society tells us different? True manhood is about rising above. True manhood is to lead and become example. Christians in general are called to be the light of the world. We carry in us the hope that comes from God himself and we are called to shine it. Men in particular have great responsibility in this. For whatever reason, God in His wisdom chose men to be spiritual leaders. Whatever our faults and weaknesses are, men are to lead others to salvation. In accepting this responsibility we must be courageous. I include myself in this because I am truly the least of all men. I have much to learn and much to detach myself from.

The journey is simple. It starts when men use their brains. It continues when men function as beacons of hope. It is enforced when men set an example that is positive. It is carried out when men become men. "Don't say, 'That's the way I am—it's my character.' It's your lack of character. Esto vir!—Be a man!" ~ St. Josemaria Escriva

This is the call of Saint Paul. It is to pass from our childish ways and become true men of God who seek His will above all else.