--If you don't love Jesus, this will probably bore you.
A lot of people ask me what "my type" of guy is, and I've given it a lot of thought. The conclusion I've come to is that my type of guy isn't a guy at all - he is a man.
I'm beginning to see and understand the standard for what makes a man. It has nothing to do with how many girls he can "get" or has been with. It has nothing to do with his success - whether in his career or in ministry. It doesn't have anything to do with how "qualified" he is to be a husband, a dad, or a leader. None of that matters. A man isn't someone who fits the stereotypical expectations placed upon him. In fact, he is the opposite of those standards.
A man is more than "a good, christian guy." He is more than a boy who buys a girl nice things and does what he's told. I'm seeing now, that a true man is a warrior. He is rooted so deeply in God's heart that he bleeds the same blood, and his heart beats to the same rhythm as God's. He "hooks-up" with Jesus on a daily basis - digging deep into the word, battling in prayer, and pressing into more of who God is.
A true man doesn't lust after women, material gain or success - his eyes are on Jesus, he trusts that his Daddy will provide, and knows that he is a failure outside of God. His clothes are fly, because he wears humility and love everywhere he goes. He seeks not to be seen or be "the best" whatever cuz he knows his place, and its on his knees before God. He doesn't try to win the attention of all, but continually points others to Jesus. He doesn't expect others to care for him, but diligently seeks out ways to serve others.
A real man is a warrior after God's own heart. He is a leader and a servant. He's a protector, not an abuser. He's a defender, not a controlling dominator. He isn't concerned with his own selfish gain, but consistently finds ways to lay himself down. He doesn't live in a way to "prove his manhood", but throws off his pride and embraces the fact that he is the bride of Christ. He owns the truth that he is a son of God. His life is not dedicated to himself, but is completely devoted to God.
A real man is a man of integrity - he's consistent in the way that he lives, no matter who's around or if he's alone. He's set apart - knowing that God has called him to be holy. He's a man of truth - he's good to his word, and never speaks lies. He's a man of diligence - he lives for only one thing, to be closer to the Father, and he will do anything to have that. He sets down his dreams, plans and goals before Jesus and is in complete surrender to Him.
A real man is a man of love. He loves God with all his heart, soul and mind, and he loves others as himself.
A man knows that he is weak and will always fall short before Jesus, which is why he no longer strives to be perfect. He knows that God asks for his devotion and not his perfection. He doesn't beat himself up when he screws up, but knows that he is loved by God, covered by God's grace, and he belongs to God as a son. When he does fall down, he remembers God's truth, repents, and stands up again. He refuses to rely on his own strength, because he depends on God's.
A man lives in gratitude and love for who God is and all He's done. The purpose of his life is to fulfill all that God has for him.
This is what I call a man.
