In a society that tends to mold males into wimps, this graphic caught my attention. To me, the hallmark of being a male is responsibility. Learning to be responsible for not only yourself, but for a spouse and children as well (and perhaps even a pet[s]). But, it just doesn't end there; how about being a good citizen, an employee, a neighbor or maybe even just a good friend. And, at times it will not be easy. This is true now and has been since the beginning; Paul says...
1 Corinthians 16:1-24 NASB
(1) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also.
(2) On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
(3) When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem;
(4) and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
(5) But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;
(6) and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.
(7) For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
(8) But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;
(9) for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
(10) Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord's work, as I also am.
(11) So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.
(12) But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.
(13) Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
(14) Let all that you do be done in love.
(15) Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints),
(16) that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
(17) I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part.
(18) For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
(19) The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
(20) All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
(21) The greeting is in my own hand--Paul.
(22) If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha.
(23) The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
(24) My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
(1) Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also.
(2) On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
(3) When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem;
(4) and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
(5) But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;
(6) and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.
(7) For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
(8) But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;
(9) for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
(10) Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord's work, as I also am.
(11) So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.
(12) But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.
(13) Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
(14) Let all that you do be done in love.
(15) Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints),
(16) that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
(17) I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part.
(18) For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
(19) The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
(20) All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
(21) The greeting is in my own hand--Paul.
(22) If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha.
(23) The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
(24) My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Paul has a lot to say to his brethren at Corinith. They had a lot of problems and Paul corrects them in a gentle, yet firm way. Of note is Paul's disciple Timothy- a young man who needed to be strong, but does not appear to be that way innately. Verse 13 seems to stand out in light of the picture at the top. Men always need to grow up and assume responsibility, whether its next week or perhaps even two thousand years ago. Guys, be responsible- just do it and "cowboy up". You will be glad you did- and so will the ladies around you!!!