What would jack bauer do?
Back in 2001, Jack Bauer, played by Kiefer Sutherland, portrayed the lead protagonist in a then new Fox series called 24. Each episode represented one hour in what would unfold as a critical day for our country and the events of that day would build over the course of an entire season. It was a brilliant concept! I remember watching the first episode and thinking, “Holy smokes! This is awesome!” Jill and I were both hooked immediately. We became “super-fans” and began hosting “24” viewing parties at our house every Monday evening. It was nuts. The show seemed to just keep getting better and better and each episode Jack Bauer, a lead agent for the CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) would narrowly cheat death, kill some bad guys and solve some other massive difficulty which ultimately led to him saving the world by the season finale! He literally saved the world every year for eight years solid and within a 24-hour timeframe! If you look up “Bad-Ass” in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of Jack Bauer (and Jason Bourne;)
What is it about the Jack Bauer’s, Jason Bourne’s and William Wallace’s that we as men so easily relate to? The truth is, most of us can’t relate to them at all because they are so awesome that they become more like legend and less like real men. We love them because we can only fantasize about being that courageous or brilliant or strong, or whatever. When asked, “What does it mean to be a man?” most of us struggle to find a blanket answer that sort of covers the topic sufficiently. That’s because defining true manhood or masculinity is not that simple. The media is quick to tell us that “real” men are rich, strong, brave, popular, handsome, smart, and don’t forget six pack abs to boot! C’mon. If we buy into this definition and worse yet, impart this definition of manhood to our boys, how constructive is that? The Bible lays out some healthy guidelines for true masculinity and these attributes are actually attainable and sustainable for the long haul.
Here are five attributes of manhood that may inspire you on your journey and help you raise “mini-me’s” you could be proud of.
A Man Fears God.
Simply put, this means to maintain a healthy reverence or respect for God, your Maker and Provider and the realization that He is bigger than you and you are less than Him.
Proverbs 14:16 “A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hot-headed and reckless.”
A Man Provides for His Family.
Providing for your family is not just a financial mandate. We are to provide food, shelter and clothing but we are called to take responsibility for the emotional and spiritual wellness of our families as well.
Timothy 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
A Man Protects
When something goes “bump in the night”, what is your response? You better man up, grab a bat (or something more potent) and do what you need to do to ensure the safety of your home.
Proverbs 14:26 “Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”
A Man Loves Deeply
When we lead with love, we forge a loving path that others want to journey with us. We can’t love without first recognizing that we are deeply loved by God. Once this reality takes root, we are empowered to love Him back and then we can truly love our wives, children and others more fully.
1 Timothy 6:11 “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”
A Man is Humble
To quote C.S. Lewis, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It’s thinking of yourself less.” In speaking with several females about this issue of men and humility, it has been made clear that arrogance is likely the worst possible trait a man could possess and humility among the greatest.
Proverbs 11:12 – “Pride leads to disgrace but with humility, comes wisdom.”
Challenge for the week:
* Pray with your family and for your family.
* If you have a son, begin this dialog about "What does it mean to be a man?"
Let's go get it!