The Measure of a Man

What is the Measure of a Man? Some might say wealth, business acumen, health, fitness, philanthropy, success. As it was pointed out to me yesterday in the sermon, Jesus' Measure of a Man was verbalized in his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5, the Beatitudes. I call them the "Blessed are you's". Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven...blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth...blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy....blessed are the peacemakers, etc.

I have often read that men tend to measure their success in terms of financial security, especially if they have a family. Their ability to provide for their family is paramount to them, and everything else comes after. I would have to say that I believe my husband takes this responsibility very seriously, and he works very hard to provide and keep improving the home in which we live.

I really like what Jesus said in verse 3, "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven". As our student pastor pointed out yesterday, this doesn't mean that Jesus wants us to be poor-spirited, but humble. "Poor in spirit" means that you know that you have spiritual needs, and that you search for the One who can fill those needs. I would definitely describe the man I'm married to as humble. There is much he could brag about, but he does not. He is a man of few words, and that has always served him well. He lets his actions speak for themselves.

Jesus goes on to say "blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." I am thankful to be married to a man who has a good heart and (fairly!)pure thinking, not clouding up his mind and heart with base images/thoughts/things of this world. Mark has been called "Grandpa" for his old-fashioned beliefs, and I am so proud of him for standing tall and true to his ideals among other men who are much weaker in that regard!


Now he's going to come on here and read this and ask me to erase it, but I won't. He just had a birthday, and I'm going to take a few minutes to celebrate what God is doing in his life. Granted, a saint he ain't, but I love this Work-in-progress!

His children adore him. His wife loves and admires him more each day. There is respect, a bit of awe, and a whole lot of love and laughter when we share time with this man. Now THAT is the Measure of a Man!

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. --Matthew 5:1-11 NIV