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Boys live only for themselves; men fully enjoy life’s pleasure but also live for a higher purpose. Boys try to find themselves in what they buy; men find themselves in what they do. Boys base their identity on what they consume; men base their identity on what they create. Growing up doesn’t have to mean donning a gray flannel suit. It really means taking an active role in the world instead of a passive one. Making an impact. And creating your world instead of consuming it.–Brett McKay

Wow! I just got that from a friend on Facebook.  Good stuff there, and a lot to reflect on.  Really, there is a LOT of difference between men and boys – and little has to do with age.  In fact, some boys never grow up, they never desire or strive to become a MAN. They are content to be selfish, tied up in their own little world and their own desires – never allowing themselves to find TRUE pleasure through serving others and becoming made into the Image of The One Who gave Himself to show us what a real man looks like.

Looking at the life of Christ we can see an fine example of what a real man is.

1. A real man thinks first of others.
2. A real man can cry with his friends or for the desperate state of his nation.
3. A real man knows how to work and do it well.
4. A real man can show tenderness to a woman without lusting for her.
5. A real man takes time to be alone with God.
6. A real man does not worry about those who speak falsely against him.
7. A real man cares for those who are less able or who are vulnerable.
8. A real man can find humor and joy in the world around him.
9. A real man can teach others through his example.

That’s a partial list, just off the top of my head – so to speak.  Becoming a real man should be the goal of every boy. Raising a real man should be the goal of every boy’s parents.