BEING A MAN OF SUBSTANCE

Monica Steely • Nov 19, 2019

In today’s culture, men are becoming the focal point of many debates, divisiveness and controversy. I think we would all agree that men are being called out more and more for the lack of true manhood. Men are failing at many levels of leadership in their families, their offices, and their communities.

I’m not here to make excuses for us as men, or to claim that I have the anecdote to this type of behavior. What I do believe to be true is that as men, we have lost the concept of substance, and WE have to regain true manhood. Someone once said, “The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience, but how he stands at moments of controversy and challenge.”

That’s what being a man of substance is about, standing up to and through the difficult times in life for yourself and others. I believe all men of substance continually focus on the same road map.

Set Priorities.  Great men of substance understand priorities. As a general rule, our priorities are set by what we deem to be the most impactful or meaningful for us. However, men of substance set priorities around what is the most impactful and meaningful for others. Focusing on quality time, being a peace maker, encouraging others, and helping others fulfill their dreams are top priorities for great men. The value of a great man is his capacity and desire to serve everyone else.

Learn to Fight. John Wayne defined manhood as, “Men should be tough, fair, and courageous, never petty, never looking for a fight, but never backing down from one either.” Fighting is not always done with our fists; in fact, men of substance rarely resort to this type of fighting. Great men fight for the hearts of others, partnering with Christ to protect the hearts of the ones they love. They don’t allow harmful behavior, discouraging rhetoric, or destructive relationships into their home and circle. Men of substance are on the front lines, holding the line, protecting their tribe.

Let Go of the Past.  Great men do not let the pain and mistakes of the past write their future. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not the one who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear,” said Nelson Mandela. Men of substance see their past as just that – the past. They learn from it, not lean into it. They don’t allow fear to have power over them, and they use the strength of Christ to plow a trail forward not looking back to see how straight it is.

Do you consider yourself a man of substance? What must be removed from your life that will allow you to flourish?

Tell one man in your life how great he is.

Lead Differently!

Greg

The Race Marked Out for Atlanta

By Laura Shepherd 25 Mar, 2024
FCA Atlanta Stories - Cole Gilmore
Embracing the Vision: Mike Leazer's Journey with FCA Atlanta
By Laura Shepherd 19 Mar, 2024
In the intersection of faith and sports, Mike Leazer, the Atlanta Multi-Area Director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), embodies a commitment to transformation.
By Monica Steely 03 Apr, 2020
My routines have been disturbed. No, destroyed. I am a creature of routine.
By Monica Steely 25 Nov, 2019
A few years ago, I reconnected with a friend who is the founder of a great organization here in Atlanta. Even though we don’t see watch other a lot, I am able to keep up with him (as most of us do) through social media.One of things that I see him doing as much as anything is caring for his team. His company is spread out across the country, and he spends a lot of his time visiting everyone.
By Monica Steely 11 Nov, 2019
The 1992 men’s Olympic Basketball team has been described by many as the greatest sports team ever assembled. As a result, the team was given the name Dream Team. As a basketball junkie, and a player who grew up with these superstars in the 80’s, I couldn’t wait to watch them play in the Olympics!
By Monica Steely 28 Oct, 2019
A number of years ago, Monica and I took a trip to Italy. We traveled with two other couples and visited Florence, Rome and a few other great cities.If you have ever traveled anywhere in the world with a rich history, you want to make sure you don’t miss a thing while you are there. As we prepared for this trip, we spent some time reading up on this history as well as some of the most popular sites to see.
By Monica Steely 23 Oct, 2019
I came across a word recently in reading, that is not uncommon, but I had never spent much time thinking about. The word firm is a word used in many ways and in many contexts. There is nothing extremely revolutionary about the word’s meaning—to have a solid and unyielding surface.
By Monica Steely 18 Oct, 2019
I once had a young couple come and see me for counseling. They had only been married a few months and were experiencing what they determined to be some major issues. She was upset with him because she felt he was self-centered, only doing the things that made him happy at the exclusion of her needs.
By Monica Steely 09 Oct, 2019
When organizations talk about values, an important point to consider is how can the value connect to the heart of the individual and encourage action. Service is the second value of FCA, and it does just that – connects to the heart and encourages action.In my life, I have had one of the greatest models of earthly service I could ask for. If service really is modeling how Christ served on earth and continues to serve today, then my mom is that person.
By Monica Steely 30 Sep, 2019
September: The Month of Integrity Great Leaders Understand This: Accountability Never Fails I recently watched a documentary President Richard Nixon. The documentary primarily focused on the end of his presidency, and the Watergate crimes committed. One of the people interviewed made a statement that could not have been more accurate – he said Nixon’s ultimate undoing was his lack of integrity in believing he was accountable to no one.This, I have learned, is the most commo...
More Posts
Share by: