Being a Man

Alright, so I couldn't think of a better title, and yes, I know it's similar to my post yesterday, but they're about different things. So I saw the movie Courageous tonight, and it had a message that I cannot, and will not forget. So if you know anything about it, you'd know that it is about being a Godly father, and Godly man as well. And believe it or not, I'm not a father yet nor do I have any plans to do so anytime soon. Back to the reason I'm writing this. The movie had some really valuable points on being a man, and there were some things that I took out of it that I know will help me grow as a young man in Christ. I saw how the impact of having a Godly father has on young kids, boys or girls. If you know me then you would most likely know that my father passed away almost three years ago this winter, and I miss him, and I didn't realize until now how much of an impact he really had on me. He taught me valuable lessons on being a man and following after God's heart and also leading a family. He may not have said all these things in words, but it is said that actions speak louder than words. Seeing my dad's good example, although he wasn't perfect, makes me want to raise my kids up in a Godly household someday and being a father that chases after their hearts with the same burning passion that I would chase after my future wife's (Lord willing).
When my father died, I lost more than a dad, I lost a role model and someone to look up to for advice, at least so I thought. I saw Godly men in my life all around me, and not having an earthly father made me look more to my Heavenly Father. But the Lord really used this circumstance to draw me close to Him. Because I know that God desires after my heart with a burning passion and love that only a father can have for their son. And I'm starting to see what a man who chases after God's heart has to go through. It's not always easy, it's not always fun, but it is always worth it. I see that it requires sacrifice, honesty, nobility, a pure heart, a desire to grow, a passion for love, and yearning to know my Father more. Being a man doesn't mean that we have all the right answers, but it means that we stand up for what's right, to be courageous and stand for God, even if we stand alone. I want to be a role model for my kid's, if I have any, someday. And I want young women to see the strength of God in me to be the leader of a relationship or anything, and that I desire the best for them, whether it be friendships or dating or whatever it may be. I want what's best for you and that I will stand by you when no one else will, and that I will fight for you, whether it be for your heart, or for your safety. For my guy friends, I want to be a better friend, a Godly friend who encourages you in your faith, and sticks up for you even when the whole world is crashing down on you. I want to be a better man, and I know that I haven't reached the worldly status of being a man yet, but that doesn't mean I can't do more with what God has blessed me with. I know I'm doing a sufficient job of being a Godly young man, but I don't want to be sufficient, I want to be surpassing. Overachieving. And I don't know exactly how that looks now, but I know it starts with what I said a few lines ago. I know I won't always be perfect, and perfect is too much to expect, I just need to move, because there are so many ways I can improve. I want to be held accountable by people, so please try your best. This is my resolution.
  Stand strong for God, even when you're alone.