Sometimes You Have to Fight When You’re a Man

“Coward of the County” was playing in the store the other day and I got caught up in the storyline. The “coward” was caught between his father’s hard won wisdom and what to do about the gang rape of his beloved Becky. Ecclesiastes says, there’s a time to fight and a time to abstain from fighting. But which is which?
 

Compare this to the violence we see every day in our world. Blows and bloodshed erupt over trivial issues. This is not manhood, but hatred, pride, immaturity, and a lack of self-control.

The kind of men who deserve honor on Father’s Day, or any day, are the ones who can distinguish between a just and unjust cause. Jesus is described as meek. He wasn’t passive, but a man of passion and power. In fact, the true meaning of the word meek is “power under control.” He knew His real enemy and when to fight. He didn’t fight when falsely accused, spat on, and nailed to a cross. He suffered everything so He could conquer Satan once for all.

Real men fight: 

   

For the Weak and Oppressed

Scripture tells the people of God to fight for those who, for one reason or another, can’t fight for themselves—orphans, widows, captives, the elderly—anyone unable to stand up for themselves. “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psa. 82:3-4). 

This means testifying on their behalf, providing for their needs, showing compassion and hospitality, righting wrongs, and showing them honor and respect as fellow human beings.

For What is Right

This requires a pause for discernment. Is this right according to me, or according to God? Right is eternal and brings ultimate good even if momentary discomfort, but so many times we get embroiled in battles for short-term solutions or selfish gain. 

Paul’s words to his young protégé Timothy are, “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” (1 Tim. 6:11-12). What is right honors God, His people, and the commands He has given us to walk in passion and integrity.

In Prayer

Men who are able to stand when things get tough are the ones who spend time on their knees. It may not be their literal position of prayer, but the attitude of their hearts—knowing their own limitations and humbly seeking help from the One who has none. Spiritual warfare is only for the strongest of men, who fight to serve their Commander and not for their own glory or comfort.

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Eph. 6:18). Real men pray for: 

·         Strength to resist temptation

·         Courage to speak truth

·         Passion to share God with others

·         Forgiveness for those who hate or mistreat them

·         Holy Spirit power to overcome demonic forces

Against Their Own Demons

Every one of us has demons, thorns in our flesh, that trouble and tempt; distract and discourage us. Whether it’s chemical addiction, lust, depression, greed, pride, workaholism, or selfishness, it is a battle each man must fight himself. No one can fight his demons for him, apart from Christ.

“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart  who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop” Luke 8:14-15). Seeds are sown in fields. Real men seek out other men who are fighting the good fight. They encourage one another with honest and sincere hearts and keep each other accountable. 

I bless and honor all Fathers who know how to fight. So many battles are unseen, but reap eternal rewards. To my dad, my husband, my sons, and the godly men I know, I applaud you. You are the real men in our world.

Happy Father’s Day!

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