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This article is geared toward men, but it is just as important for women to understand.
In recent times the lines have been blurred between the genders, and there has been much confusion and debate as to what makes a man a man. I’d be willing to bet if you walked up to the average guy on the street and asked them the question what makes you a man he would probably stammer around for an answer.
Now there are those who might blurt out an answer regarding their physical appearance, “I’m a man because I was born with man parts”. Some might say they became a man when they turned 18 or 21. Maybe when they got their driver’s license or started dating they became a man.
What do you think?
Now days, we have men who spend as much time in front of a mirror as many women do, and act just about as feminine. We also have men who are domineering brutes that think being kind and showing gentleness is effeminate or weak. So much confusion!
I’ve known guys who acted as if going to church was for women and the weak, and a man reading poetry was just embarrassing.
When we base our manhood, or our values and worth according to man’s standards, it will fluctuate and change according to current trends and opinions. If you want a standard that is sure, unchanging, and spot on, you need only to look in the scriptures.
There is example after example of what a man should be like, how he should act, and the things he should value and strive for.
There were times in history when things weren’t so blurred and where men had ways or markers to show them when they became a man. There were times in history when boys were trained from a young age to value Godly things, to appreciate art, to become educated, and to train his body to be strong, and well able to defend him-self and others.
One tradition I find fascinating and try to emulate in my life now is the tradition of the Warrior Poet. I even wrote a poem about it which you can read here: Warrior Poet!
I like the definition I found on wiki.answers.com.
The Warrior-Poet is the ancient tradition of dedication to developing the body and the mind as one.
The Shambhala teachings of Tibet, the chivalrous knights of medieval Europe and the ancient Greek warriors are all examples of this proud tradition.
The Warrior-Poet retains a mysterious and ancient aura, a member of the leadership class who guides with wisdom and courage. They are defined by their dedication to their crafts of warfare, and intellectual study and reflection.
The Warrior-Poet learns to develop the mind and the body as one, using each to guide the other. The Warrior-Poet is also a spiritual warrior.
The Warrior-Poet understands their true relationship to the heaven and the earth. They understand that they embody the heavenly representation to the earth, and the earthly representation to the heavens.
In other words, it is up to the Warrior-Poet to balance the cruel realities of the earth, while living by the standards of the heavens.
If you read about King David in the Books of Samuel in the Bible, you will see a true example of a Warrior Poet.
The Warrior Poet lives by a set of standards and ideals that are not all that common in this day and age. Below, I’d like to share just some of those standards I’ve learned, and now strive to live by.
At all times, and in all places, be the champion of right and good against evil and injustice
Always maintain one’s principles
Love God with all your heart and all your powers
Cultivate Love–Selfless meeting of another’s needs
Love your neighbor as yourself
Do not boast of your own accomplishments; tell the deeds of others before your own
Entertain strangers
Visit the sick
Live one’s life so that it is worthy of respect and honor
Remain faithful to your pledged word, without lying.
Exhibit self-control and self-discipline
Cultivate valor
Being a knight often means choosing a more difficult path, a personally expensive one
Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in the service of the principles you serve
Seek great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties of knight
Realize that ideals cannot be reached, but striving for them ennobles the spirit
Do not let anger control your actions
Do not let the lack of Chivalry in others cause you to be un-chivalrous
Live by Truth and in reality
Exhibit manners
Be respectful of host, women and honor
Avoid unfairness, meanness and deceit
Be generous to everyone
Cultivate Charity
Give aid to widows and orphans
Respect those who are weaker and defend them
Defend the weak and innocent
Never abandon a friend, ally, or noble cause
Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live by
Never betray a confidence or comrade
Persevere, to the end, any enterprise once begun
Live for freedom, justice, and all that is good
Protect the innocent
Face up to those who challenge your spiritual principles
Exhibit courage in word and deed
Defend your principles
Defend your spiritual beliefs and traditions
Be an example for others
Seek to Franchise others to chivalry
Help OTHERS feel free to copy you
Seek to practice all of chivalry in your daily life
Seek to infuse every aspect of your life with these qualities
Serve to meet needs
Self is NOT the focal point of the Universe
Perform all your duties as correctly as you can, if they are not contrary to the laws of God
Develop prowess and excellence in all endeavors
Can you imagine if most young men were raised with their hearts and minds being infused with these standards? Can you imagine how much better this world would be?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could hold up these standards and say, “The day you learn, understand, and strive to live your life by these standards, you will be a man”.
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