AWAKE! DECEMBER 2012 APPEARED IN Young People Ask What Is a Real Man? 00:0000:00 “My father died when I was three years old. Sometimes I feel envious of boys who grew up with a father in their life. They seem to be a lot more confident than I am.”—Alex. * “My relationship with my father is minimal. I’ve had to learn on my own what it means to be a real man.”—Jonathan. CAN you relate to the statements of the young men quoted above? Do you fear, for one reason or another, that you’ll never learn what it means to be a real man? If so, don’t despair! Consider how you can overcome two common challenges. CHALLENGE 1: Popular misconceptions about manhood What some people say: Real men are tough; they don’t cry. Real men don’t let anyone tell them what to do. Men are better than women. Another way to look at it: Manhood is the opposite of boyhood—not the opposite of womanhood. You become a real man when you leave behind the traits of a child. The Christian apostle Paul wrote: “When I was a babe, I used to speak as a babe, to think as a babe, to reason as a babe; but now that I have become a man, I have done away with the traits of a babe.” (1 Corinthians 13:11) In other words, the more you replace childish ways of thinking, speaking, and acting with mature ways of thinking, speaking, and acting, the more you prove yourself to be a real man. * Try this: On a sheet of paper, write down your answers to the following questions: In what areas have I already made progress in putting away “the traits of a babe”? In what areas can I improve? Suggested reading: Luke 7:36-50. See how Jesus proved himself to be a real man by (1) standing up for what was right and (2) treating others—including women—with respect. “I admire my friend, Ken. He is a strong man—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—but also a kind man. His example has taught me that a real man doesn’t put other people down just to raise himself up.”—Jonathan. CHALLENGE 2: Lack of a wholesome father figure What some people say: If your father isn’t in the picture, you’ll never really learn what it means to be a man. If your father set a poor example, you’re doomed to repeat his mistakes. Another way to look at it: Even if you’ve had a less-than-ideal childhood, you are not doomed to fail! You can rise above your circumstances. (2 Corinthians 10:4) You can choose to follow King David’s advice to his son Solomon: “Be strong and prove yourself to be a man.”—1 Kings 2:2. Admittedly, it can be difficult to grow up with an inattentive father—or no father at all. “Not knowing your father is a huge disadvantage in life,” says Alex, quoted at the outset. “I’m 25, but I feel as if I’m just now learning things that I should have learned in my early teens.” If you feel similar to the way Alex does, what can you do about it? Try this: Find a mentor—someone who sets a good example as a man. * Ask him which qualities he believes are especially important in a real man. Then ask him how you can develop those qualities in yourself.—Proverbs 1:5. Suggested reading: Proverbs chapters 1-9. Notice the fatherly advice that can help a boy to grow into a wise, spiritual man. “I’m proud of the man I’m becoming. Although I wish my father had been a part of my progress, I’m optimistic about the future. I’m convinced that I am not doomed to fail.”—Jonathan. Ian—Being a man means not only that you carry yourself in a masculine way but also that you’re willing to work hard, control your emotions, and take responsibility for your actions. BOY VERSUS MAN A child can often be . . . rude. self-centered. focused on having fun. ruled by his emotions. A real man endeavors to be . . . respectful.—Romans 12:10. self-sacrificing.—1 Corinthians 10:24. responsible.—Galatians 6:5. in control of his emotions.—Proverbs 16:32. WHY NOT ASK YOUR PARENTS? What, do you think, defines a real man? How am I doing when it comes to maturity? A NOTE TO PARENTS FATHERS— To a large extent, your son will base his definition of what it means to be a man on your example. If you treat your wife with respect, you are teaching your son to treat women with respect. If you work hard to provide for your family—even if doing so requires doing menial or tiring work—you are teaching your son to work hard and to be responsible.—1 Timothy 5:8. Perhaps your relationship with your own father was less than ideal. Maybe your father didn’t have a good relationship with his father. But remember: You have a chance to break the cycle. Don’t waste that opportunity! Choose to stay close to your son. * Set a good example for him, and he may well grow up to be a real man—a man whom you will be proud to call your son.—Proverbs 23:24. MOTHERS— How can you help your son grow to be a real man? Avoid making unfavorable comparisons to your husband. Suppose, for example, that your son makes a mistake that reminds you of your husband. You might be tempted to blurt out: “Stop that! You’re being just like your father!” Granted, you are right to counsel your son for his mistake. But remember: If your words or actions imply that everything your husband does is wrong, you may unwittingly hinder your son’s growth into manhood. Support your husband’s involvement in his son’s life. Encourage them to spend time together, and look for opportunities to highlight your husband’s positive qualities and the good things that he does. Does he work hard to provide for the family? Does he spend time with his children? Does he treat others with respect? Let your son know how much you appreciate those things. Such comments will help your son to learn from the good aspects of his father’s example. PREVIOUS NEXT E-MAIL LINKPRINT DOWNLOAD OPTIONS PODCASTS TABLE OF CONTENTS PREVIOUS NEXT Whatever Happened to Patience? Impatience Can Be Harmful How to Be More Patient Does God Use Natural Disasters to Punish Mankind Today? The Cow With Two Woolly Coats A Dictionary 90 Years in the Making What Is a Real Man? The Caucasus—A “Mountain of Languages” The Bible—A Book of Accurate Prophecy—Part 8 “Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite!” Watching the World Subject Index for 2012 Awake! For Family Review Related Articles How Can You Deal With Stress? What Can I Expect From Marriage?—Part 2 What Can I Expect From Marriage?—Part 1 Why Don’t My Parents Understand? JW.ORG / OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
Posted on: Tue, 08 Oct 2013 14:30:15 +0000
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