In my efforts to try and understand the meaning of being a man, I ask questions as a Christian. Because I am a Christian, I look for answers that fit within a particular cosmology that describes the purpose and meaning of life. A cosmology is a world-view or perspective that provides suggestions as to how all things came to be, and where all things are going. Every ideology is framed within a cosmology that tries to explain the origins, purpose and eventualities of everything in the universe. As a Christian, our cosmology comes from the Scriptures- as does our understanding of the purpose and the mechanics of human beings.

Today’s book, “The Measure of a Man” by Gene Getz, deals less with the generalities of what manhood looks like, and looks specifically at some chief characteristics of a mature man as they are spelled out in two key passages from the New Testament on the subject.

Getz’s work here is to answer what it means to be a “man of God”, as Paul described Timothy as in 2 Timothy 3:17. Getz pulls a list of 20 qualities from I Timothy 3:1-7 and from Titus 1:5-10 that are characteristics of the Christian leader, who is essentially esteemed as a mature man in Christ.

The following are the qualities listed in the two passages that are traits of the man growing in maturity.

1. Overall spiritual maturity. He is well-rounded.
2. Above reproach. He is of good repute.
3. Husband of one wife. He is morally pure.
4. Temperate. He is balanced in words and actions.
5. Prudent. He is wise and humble.
6. Respectable. He is a good role model.
7. Hospitable. He is unselfish and generous.
8. Able to Teach. He communicates sensitively in a non-threatening and nondefensive manner.
9. Not Addicted to Wine. He is not addicted to substances.
10. Not Self-Willed. He is not self-centered and controlling.
11. Not quick-tempered. He is void of anger that becomes sinful.
12. Not pugnacious. He is not abusive.
13. Gentle. He is sensitive, loving and kind.
14. Peaceable. He is nonargumentative and nondivisive.
15. Free from love of money. He is nonmaterialistic.
16. Manages his own household well. He is a good husband and father.
17. Loving what is good. He pursues godly activities.
18. Just. He is wise, discerning, nonprejudiced and fair.
19. Devout. He is holy and devoted to God.
20. Self-controlled. He is disciplined.

I think at a later time I need to try and categorize these qualities in some way. Right now, they seem to be 20 disparate items that flower off of an unidentified trunk.

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Source:
Getz, Gene A. The Measure of a Man. Regal Books: Ventura, CA. 2004.

If you found these thoughts compelling, you can purchase this book at Amazon.