Men, Change the World with Your Character!

As a man, I agree with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, a wise figure who became an inspiration to world leaders, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” A man needs to have the right character so that he can lead himself and others toward positive change. 

For that reason, you need to have character based on the right standard, namely the word of God, not the standards of the world. Paul said, ”Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what the will of God is: what is good, pleasing to God, and perfect (Romans 12:2).”

Through the following three Bible figures, I invite you to recognize the characteristics of a great man.

1. David – A Man Who Depends on God 

Do you feel that you have to handle everything without anyone else’s help? I used to always think that way, and I realize most men have this mindset. The reasons may be fear of troubling others, embarrassment about asking for help, being too hard on yourself, or personal pride. 

Does this make me strong? No, quite the opposite. I became someone who found it hard to rejoice and was easily weighed down. Relying on our own strength for things that are beyond our control is futile, but fearing the Lord makes our work succeed.

David was a man who relied on God in everything. We know how extraordinarily God worked through him when he defeated Goliath with only a stone from a sling. The kingdom of Israel also flourished under his leadership. All of that was because of David’s sincere heart in depending on God.

David once fell into sin, and he also faced various situations that were far from ideal and even dangerous. Yet the book of Psalms is proof that he still relied on God even when he was placed in trials.

O LORD, how many are my foes! Many rise up against me; many say of me, “There is no help for him from God.” But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, You are my glory and the One who lifts up my head. With a loud voice I cry to the LORD, and He answers me from His holy mountain.” –  Psalm 3:2-5

If you who are reading this article are a man, you surely know that a man is often expected to be responsible for many things. Not rarely, those things are very difficult or heavy. 

Whatever responsibilities and challenges you are facing right now, learn to rely on God. This means developing a heart attitude that is willing to keep rejoicing even when circumstances feel hard. You train yourself to believe that God is greater than your problems. 

Depending on God begins with the decision to pray. Surrender everything to God. Do not forget to share your struggles with people who are willing to listen, help, and lead you to God. Do not expect your problems to be resolved quickly, but trust that God is watching over you, even in the worst moments of your life.

2. Joseph – A Man Who Does Not Compromise with Sin 

Sin and the temptations of impurity, laziness, and pride often become major challenges for men. In fact, I often hear the saying, “If a guy has no sins, it means he isn’t cool!” This then becomes an excuse for many men to behave “badly.”

Of course, the statement above is not true. A great man is someone who can control himself, including in the matter of sin. Sin is not something to be experimented with and then erased by repenting later. Instead, we need to guard ourselves from the very beginning against even the smallest temptation.

When Joseph became head of Potiphar’s household and was tempted by his master’s wife to sleep with her, Joseph refused (Genesis 39:4-12). Actually, Joseph had a great opportunity to do it without being found out, because Potiphar trusted him deeply. However, this is what is striking about Joseph’s character: he did not sell himself to sin.

A firm stance against sin is a character trait that a great man must have. We must be able to lead ourselves, in this case, to avoid the snare of sin. In various situations, we are often faced with the choice of doing what is right or committing sin. The key to self-control is seeing that our relationship with God is more valuable than anything else. 

For we know that our old self was crucified with Him, so that our body of sin might lose its power, and we would no longer be enslaved to sin. – Romans 6:6

Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross not only to redeem our sins, but also to restore our relationship with the Father. Beginning with a decision not to compromise with sin, no matter how small, you are actually striving to build a relationship with God.

God’s word can guide you so that you can be free from sin. If you struggle to control yourself against temptation and sin, ask for help from people you trust who can help you in the Lord. 

3. Paul – Pursuing the Character of Christ 

Men are often associated with ambition, although this statement is biased because ambition knows no gender. I am someone who is ambitious, for example, in getting good grades during college, becoming a winner in competitions, and so on. Surely you too have at some point been ambitious in pursuing something. 

But know this: a great man needs to be ambitious in pursuing the character of Christ. Why must we strive to attain it? Because in the end, righteousness is what will save us in the days to come. 

So flee youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace together with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22

Throughout his life, the apostle Paul kept pursuing the character traits that Christ had. His words in the verse above teach me to pursue heavenly things above worldly things. I admit, the attraction of the world is tempting because the results can be seen right away. But all of that will run out, wither, or be ruined, while the character of Christ will remain attached to you forever. 

We can learn the various traits of Christ in the Bible. For example, to learn about faith, read the story of Abraham. If you find it hard to build the resolve to study God’s word deeply, read the story of Ezra. Learn wisdom from Solomon. Adopting the qualities of Christ certainly requires time and commitment, because character needs to be grown over a lifetime. But trust that all of it will build your life.

A great man is a man who can lead himself to live rightly before God. Be strong, men, and be a representation of Christ in your life!

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