The true measure of a man is contained within the deep commitment he shows toward God, himself, his marriage, and his life.
The true measure of a man is contained within the way he treats the friends that are choosing to be in his life. He treats them as he would want to be treated, with kindness, gentleness, tolerance, and understanding.
The true measure of a man is contained within the way he treats his family, immediate, or extended, as he treats them like the fine treasures they are, because they add so much to his life.
The true measure of a man is contained within the relationships he builds with his children, whether small or grown; as they will carry the lessons learned and follow the clear example he teaches, far into adulthood, and his memory will live on, long after he is gone.
The true measure of a man is contained within his mature way of dealing with problems as they come about-he doesn’t become a “victim of circumstances”, act out in a passive-aggressive way, nor whine, cry and complain loudly because things don’t go his way.
The true measure of a man is contained within the fact that he is truly thankful unto the Lord for all that he has. Because all that he has, can be taken away from him at any time–and he knows this.
The true measure of a man is contained within one who has learned to be truly content within his circumstances, instead of consistently being unsettled, trying to always fix himself using outside sources that will never fix an inside problem.
The true measure of a man is contained within the way he regulates, and conducts himself within the most important relationship he will ever have in his life–his marriage.
His wife stands with him when all others, except God, will forsake and abandon him. The longer he is married, the more aware he should become of the true value she brings to his life.
He is the true Spiritual Leader within his household, obeying the commandment given according to the Biblical standard contained within the scripture of Ephesians 5:25-27: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
He is courteous to his wife at all times, appreciative of all she does for him. He is faithful, a man who takes his responsibilities seriously.
He does all that he can to make sure that he is a good steward of his financial resources, recognizes the needs as they come up; isn’t deceitful, childish, nor irresponsible.
He willingly, without complaint, shoulders the burdens that are his, alone. He does not ask his wife, to take on his responsibility within the aspect of financially supporting his household. He is not selfish, shows genuine concern, and does not disrespectfully demand anything from his wife that he is not prepared to give of himself.
He does not treat his wife like someone who “owes” him something in return for his care and love. He knows that true love is patient, kind, enduring unto the end. He further knows that true love does not keep a record of wrongs, does not hold grudges, nor act out resentfully when he has been asked for something.
He does not emotionally abandon his wife, nor accuses her unfairly without looking within himself to see what he may have done to contribute to whatever problem the couple is facing. He treats his wife with the care and love she deserves, and he does all he can to keep his marriage together.
He takes the time to listen, does not ignore her when she asks for his attention, does not treat her as if she does not exist. He does not put her on a shelf, to be taken down at his whim, and desire, and then replaced when he is “tired” of her.
He does not withhold his love, himself, or his attention from her. He lends his strength to her, when needed and necessary. His behavior toward his wife is consistent, whether in public, or in private. He does not seek to tear her down, nor does he try to take the coward’s way out, if his feelings change toward her. She always knows where she stands, because he is consistently letting her know where HE stands.
Most of all, he recognizes that she gives herself willingly to him in every way. He understands that she is not there because she has to be, she is there because she loves him. Though married to him, through the Covenant of God, that has joined them together for what is supposed to be a lifetime commitment, she is not his “property” to be used and abused in any way. Most important of all, if it were not for her standing with, and by him at all times, he would not even be a fraction of the man he has become–because of this gift God has given unto him–his wife.
To know the absolute true measure of any man, you only have to look at his wife, because she reflects him in every way.
As an added thought: People might say these things might be true in a “perfect” world, but I know that all things are possible with God, who can make the impossible, possible.
These men, who truly do fit the Biblical standard of the true measure of a man, are the ones who fear God, put Him first in their lives, and follow His precepts. I challenge all men to live up to this kind of standard. Learn that the best thing you ever had in your life, your wife, was right there in front of you all along, and make a solid commitment to become the kind of man that God would have you to be, starting today, and renew this commitment daily.
Food for thought.