The content of our character carries much greater weight and significance than any of our social statuses. We don’t always get a choice in what social trappings are held in higher esteem than others, but we can all choose to be men of character.
It’s likely no one list can contain all the character traits worth cultivating. But it seems being men of a good and noble character would include at least being responsible, kind, and brave.
Responsible
Good men are responsible – for themselves and to their communities. They work hard to care for their own rather than constantly looking to others to do for them.
Personally, they faithfully commit to and accomplish the work God has given them to do. But they also recognize this work is not for themselves alone. They have a responsibility in building communities that are more just, humane, and beautiful.
Kind
Kindness is the art of being gentle even when it’s within our power to be harsh. It seeks to encourage and bring what is good and loving to others much more than proving our point, pushing our agenda, or keeping track of wrongs.
Without being a doormat or a mere pushover, kindness is extending respect, dignity, and civility even to those we disagree with or who are our enemies.
Brave
Bravery is our willingness to face danger and difficulty for a greater good. It’s not taking foolish risk simply to stroke our ego. But nor is it playing it safe and letting the thief of goodness steal, kill, and destroy the good God has given us.
The chaos and uncertainty around us requires a brave heart to enter into – protecting and bringing out more life and goodness for all.
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Regardless of our social identities and trappings, we all have the privilege to become men of noble character.
When we focus merely on external appearances we miss our true heart and who God has called us to be.
Be responsible, kind, and brave – becoming a man of a good and noble character.
Photo by Jeremiah Lawrence on Unsplash
