Real men do NOT SHAVE WITH CHAINSAWS!!! Those that do, only do it ONCE!!! Which is to say... shaving with a chainsaw is STUPID!!!!! However, the question as to what a "real man" is; that is NOT STUPID!!! I wonder, is it about strength, intelligence, or courage? Not at all, its about living life in a proper way with God. The "real men" I have known were responsible, God-fearing, faithful men who led by example in loving their spouse and children. Those who put their own desires second and sacrificed for the benefit of others. Some were strong, intelligent and brave, but others not so much. Those that lived a long time endured growing old and for many, their strongest attributes faded with age, but they were distinguished by their faithfulness to the God of the Heavens. Here are a few passages that mention some of the "strong men" of the Bible...
WEB: Joshua Chapter 1
[1] Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, [2] “Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you, and all this people, to the land which I give to them, even to the children of Israel. [3] I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses. [4] From the wilderness, and this Lebanon, even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border. [5] No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.
[6] “Be strong and courageous; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. [7] Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. [8] This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. [9] Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.”
WEB: I Kings Chapter 2
[1] Now the days of David drew near that he should die; and he commanded Solomon his son, saying, [2] “I am going the way of all the earth. You be strong therefore, and show yourself a man; [3] and keep the instruction of Yahweh your God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies, according to that which is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do, and wherever you turn yourself. [4] That Yahweh may establish his word which he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you,’ he said, ‘a man on the throne of Israel.’
WEB: Haggai Chapter 2
[1] In the seventh month, in the twenty-first day of the month, the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai the prophet, saying, [2] “Speak now to Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying, [3] ‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Isn’t it in your eyes as nothing? [4] Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says Yahweh. ‘Be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says Yahweh, ‘and work, for I am with you,’ says Yahweh of Armies. [5] This is the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit lived among you. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ [6] For this is what Yahweh of Armies says: ‘Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land; [7] and I will shake all nations. The precious things of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says Yahweh of Armies. [8] The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,’ says Yahweh of Armies. [9] ‘The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says Yahweh of Armies; ‘and in this place will I give peace,’ says Yahweh of Armies.”
WEB: Ephesians Chapter 6
[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; [16] above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; [18] with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: [19] on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
How would have you liked to be Joshua trying to follow in the footsteps of Moses? Or perhaps Solomon, taking over from David, your father? What about those who rebuilt the temple or first century Christians facing opposition from a heathen society? Each one of these had their own problems, but all overcame with God's help!!! To try to live without God is foolish, for failure will be the ultimate result. Real men live by the power of God. Truth, righteousness, The Word of God applied in your life through faith will result in a life led by God. That is what true living is all about and has nothing to due with how much Testerone is in your system. Want to be a "real man"? Open your Bible and read... it will come to you... I promise!!!