The Vulnerable Man

SOCIETY’S definition of a real man is erroneous and its requirements of him are so burdensome that he really finds it difficult to be a man. He knows inwardly that he isn’t able to cope with these heavy demands. For that reason it’s time to reevaluate the question, “What is a real man?”

The answer comes loud and clear from Jesus. “Hey! If you want to see a real man, take a look at John the Baptist. Because, of all the men born of women, there’s never been a greater one than John” [see Luke 7:28]. John has six characteristics which qualified him as a real man: sincerity, simplicity, conviction, courage, vision and vulnerability…

Modern “macho” man in American is not supposed to be vulnerable. According to research, the five most difficult statements for the modern man to make are [1] I don’t know; [2] I was wrong; [3] I need help; [4] I’m afraid; and [5] I’m sorry. In other words, according to the world’s definition, real men do not admit any vulnerability. And if they do, their masculinity is in question. But John was not afraid to admit his vulnerability…

John the Baptist’s vulnerability is shown in two ways – his honesty and his humility. His humility is unbelievable. One of his best-known statements was in reference to Jesus: “He must become greater; I must become less” [John 3:30]…

There’s nothing phony about John’s humility – it’s real. He has come to grips with who he really is in relation to Jesus. A humble man is not afraid to admit it. Such a man admits openly, “I must go on decreasing. He must go on increasing.”

AUTHOR: D. Stuart Briscoe from WHAT IT MEANS TO BE REAL. Copyright 1988 by D. Stuart Briscoe. Published by Word, Inc. Taken from Men’s Devotional Bible New International Version Page 1132. Copyright 1993 by Zondervan Publishing House.