In order to be the leaders of households and in our communities there are certain things that we as men have to develop. While every aspect of manhood won't be discussed here there are a few important aspects of leadership that can be mentioned. If men are to be the "head" that God called us to be we must submit. The Bible tells us "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." --Matthew 23:11 If we want to lead and make decisions we also have to serve. Every great leader was a servant. Jesus himself washed his disciples feet. So what are some of the most important things that we should know how to do as men?
Pray
A real man must know how to pray. A healthy prayer life is essential to any success in life that is from God. How can he be fruitful in his life and in his relationships if he does not know how to go before the Father in prayer? A woman must be washed in the word and both the husband and wife should cover each other in prayer. Jesus constantly prayed and he fasted as well. So likewise, we as men ought to pray just as Jesus did. "And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;"-- Luke 18:1
Handle his Finances (Provide)
A man must be able to provide for his family and while this provision does not only apply to money, finances are a very important aspect of manhood. He needs to be responsible with his income and be a lender and not a borrower. While some of us may still be working towards that goal of being a lender we must in the meantime be faithful with that which we have. Paying our bills on time, having a savings account, investments, money market accounts etc.. are very useful tools. Having money is essential "A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all [things]."--Ecclesiastes 10:19. We must be able to assist others when they are in need, because we are blessed to be a blessing.
Treat a Woman Right
A good man will know how to treat a woman. He undertands that she has needs and he needs to be attentive to those areas in her life. Largely a man must treat a woman with RESPECT. No matter how heated the argument or how touchy the issue he must always respect her. Men should appreciate the blessing that a woman is and embrace the fact that she was created to be a help meet for us. This does not mean that she is a slave, just merely she is ordained to assist you and multiply whatever you bring her as a lady minister at my church put it "she reciprocates". That minister went on to say "If you give her a house she will give you a home. If you give her food she will give you a meal. If you give her your seed she will give you a child/family." Great words that are so true. They add so much value to a man's life. That is why we must take care of them and treat them just as we would Jesus. If we treat her right we have treated Jesus right, because she is also your sister in Christ. "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me." -- Matthew 25:40
Cook
That's right fellas, we need to know how to cook just as much as the ladies. Especially in a marriage if the wife is out or cannot cook for some reason we need to be able to prepare something for the family. Many guys at least know how to throw something on the grill, which is great! It is also good to know how to prepare something in the kitchen. We have to do it as single men and it can be a great asset in marriage. We can even give the wife a break sometimes which speaks to that servanthood mentioned earlier. You are not any less of a man in stepping into the kitchen every once in a while.
Stay Healthy
Finally a man must take care of himself where health is concerned. Eating right, exercising, and getting good rest are all essential to his success. Staying healthy also places you in a better position to be used by God. If you are sick all of the time and tired you will not be very productive. He should employ healthy living at every opportunity. This also sets a good example for youth to follow, by providing them with a great role model. Being relaxed and healthy will lead to a longer more fulfilling life.
Each of these five aspects of life that a man should know can be very beneficial if implemented. Those that employ these principles are so much more fruitful in their lives than those who do not. Your relationships will be strengthened from these instructions as well. Even if you are not operating in all of them right now, that is okay since we are all a work in progress. We as a community must strive to do better in these areas. We must continue to learn and grow until we reach a better standard of living. There are probably many more that could be added to this list but these 5 steps are very vital. Every man should eventually know how to use these life skills.
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