by Phillip Stehman
How does one know that they are a man?
Does it start with one’s age, a deed, or a plan?
Is it in how one looks, or walks, or stands?
Just where does one start to call oneself “man?”
I pondered this hard and deep and long.
Perhaps when I’m smart, or more, when I’m strong.
Though these are of value there has to be more
There has to be something deep down at the core.
The deeper and deeper I thought in anguish
The more and more I felt myself languish.
But then I revived, it all seemed so clear.
I almost had missed it, so simple, so near.
There once lived a Man who walked on this earth
Whose life we proclaim, his death, his birth.
His life is the pattern by which I trace mine.
To truly be man, in His image I shine.
To lay down one’s life for others each day,
To walk with the poor and rich the same way,
To serve others and expect no reward,
Or to even be noticed, except by the Lord.
To know when you’re right, but not to delight,
To admit when you’re wrong, and be humble, contrite.
To do what is right when no one’s around
For God is your Guide, to Him you are bound.
To put others first, and never oneself
To wholly love God, and never one’s wealth,
For He is the giver and taker away.
We come into this world and go out the same way.
To show others mercy, compassion and grace
And forgive their wrongs and not remember a trace.
For likewise my Savior did for me,
As he hung his head low, and died on that tree.
And when I am mocked, to never forget
They did that and more to our Savior, and yet
To never look down my nose in disgrace
At those who despise me, my person, my place.
Then I shall be like Him, but not on my own
Because He made me in His image alone.
So you see, one could say there’s a purpose, a plan
And more, that is how one can know they’re a man!
Categories: Just For Men
Beyond Traditon 
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