Being a Man – Sunday, June 19, 1983
Boys come in assorted shapes and sizes. They grow at separate rates and develop contrasting interests. They mature at different ages and demonstrate distinct aptitudes for learning.
Indeed, all boys are different. But regardless of shape or size, or even nationality or culture, there is one thing each and every boy share in common: every boy wants to be a man.
From the very beginning, boys mimic manly behavior, modeling the actions of their fathers and other male adults. To be a man is the goal, the fulfillment, the aspiration.
Unfortunately, the image of manhood is sometimes distorted by immature and egotistical perceptions. As with other human ideals, manhood has its counterfeit.
Manhood is not appearance but character; it is not extrinsic but intrinsic; merely to dress like a man or act brash or bold is not enough. True manhood requires inner development, a maturing of body and soul, a subtle maturation which culminates in self-discipline and independence of thought and action.
It is not manly to throw ourselves after the praise of the crowd. Manhood does not require the confirmation of fame or fashion. Being a man is the difference between bravado and courage, between presumptuousness and maturity, between the need to be infatuated and the ability to love another for another’s sake. Being a man means being ourselves, choosing our own goals and objectives, and then maintaining the course, regardless of adverse winds and contrary currents.
Manhood is self-denial—giving oneself to the development and welfare of offspring. Manhood is poised in uniform to protect the liberty of neighbors and friends. It is consistent in the drudgery of daily employment to provide for wife and family. Manhood is compassion—is unashamed to shed tears of pity and warmth at the misfortune of a friend, places soothing hands upon the heads of the sick and infirm, wraps its comforting arms about the hunched shoulders of failure and discouragement.
The lesson is clear, especially for fathers: boys want to become men, and will become true men with the example of authentic manhood.
To be truly masculine, then, is to bathe in the spirit of manliness—in self-sacrifice, in affection and empathy, in loyalty to an ideal and in loyalty to God.
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June 19, 1983
Broadcast Number 2,809