As men we like to call ourselves men, but a man only becomes a man when he chooses to follow after the commands of God. This is what King David told his son Solomon. 

Disclaimer: All of these statements apply to men and women.  Just because I’m not specifically talking to women in this post doesn’t mean these things don’t apply. 

Being a man doesn’t just fall on you. You aren’t a man by birth – you’re a child, a boy, a kid, a teen but you become a man when you stand up for God.

Our Text

2 I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;

3 And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:

1 Kings 2:2-3 KJV

If you want to leave a legacy, inspire others to follow you or simply be a better husband, David’s words to his son are wisdom you and I both need to hear.

We are each called as men to keep the charge of the Lord. This is true manliness. Not compromising what the Bible tells you to do is probably the hardest thing you as a man are going to do in your entire life.

“Show yourself a Man”

I came across this verse as I was talking to the Lord about my life. I felt like I wasn’t going anywhere and I’ll tell you right now that the reason I felt like that was because of my character.

My internal moral compass and what I was allowing myself to do each and every day was lacking – I wasn’t showing myself a man.  

That means it’s a pretty important thing to remember. 

There really is only one qualification for being a man in God’s eyes – KEEP GOD’S COMMANDMENTS. 

This sounds simple, but it’s probably one of the hardest things you are ever going to do.  Your entire life is simply a training ground to hear – and obey – the voice of God better.

Men if you have children and a wife this statement is for you. Follow the commands outlined in God’s Word.

“When my men do what I tell them to do, my women will always follow.” 

That’s the truth! 

What God says HAS to be the final say on everything you do in life. There cannot be a double standard. 

Establish your Kingdom through Obeying God

12 Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly. 

1 Kings 2:12 KJV

Look at this.  When Solomon did what his father told him to do, his kingdom was greatly established.

Now you might be telling yourself, “Who am I ?  I have no kingdom!  In fact, I have nothing!” 

But you’re wrong! 

Recognize that when you become a man you have to TAKE the authority that Christ purchased for you. 

You are a steward to the kingdom of God.

Pickup the mantle of the kingdom that God purchased for you.  Don’t allow yourself to buckle under the weight of sin, attacks of the enemy or anything else. 

You might be asking yourself, “How is this kingdom mine though?”

Here’s the truth – you have a kingdom because of Jesus. 

Jesus gave you the keys to the kingdom of God and it’s His Name. 

The name “Jesus” bestows authority in every situation it’s used in. 

Story Time

Let me give you an example. Have you ever seen a kid talking to another kid and saying something like, “You have to because mom said _____.” or maybe they say something like, “Stop, I’m telling mom!”

For these children it’s just really natural for them to use their mom’s name as a symbol of the authority that she has in their life. 

Use the name of Jesus

We are supposed to be the same way with Jesus! 

• He has all the authority in heaven, earth and under the earth. ( )
• Jesus gave us that authority (all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me go )

We use the authority of Jesus through the NAME of Jesus just like you use your “I’m telling MOM!” to use the authority of Mom.

As men and women of God we are created to weald the authority of Jesus Christ in every situation to heal the sick, cast out demons and so much more, but it all starts with BEING A MAN OF GOD. 

Take the time today to operate in the life God told you to live. 

Don’t allow satan to steal the very authority you’ve been given by compromising what the Lord tells you to do.

Of course, this goes without saying but I will say it again.  These same concepts apply to all people regardless of their gender!  Women are supposed to operate with this same strength of character – I’m just picking on the men today.