GENE LINZEY
In April of 1899, in Chicago, President Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech titled “The Strenuous Life” (http:// www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/ primary-resources/tr-strenuous/). He started with:
“In speaking to you…I wish to preach, not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life, the life of toil and effort, of labor gold strife; to preach that highest form of success which comes, not to the man who desires mere easy peace, but to the man who does not shrink from danger, from hardship or from bitter toil, and who out of these wins the splendid ultimate triumph.”
In about 5,000 words, this San Juan hero, this Golden-Gloved champion, this fearless American, President Teddy Roosevelt told his audience what it means to be not only a great American, but what it is to walk like a man among men.
All through history, some individuals were proud to be real men and didn’t want others to see them as anything less. If you insulted their integrity, you might have lost your life in the ensuing duel. (President Andrew Jackson participated in 103 duels but killed only one man.)
Let me share with you some of the character traits of a real man. And for you women listening in, this applies to you, too. I am not speaking about gender, but about integrity.
The Book of James in the New Testament is our source. It has only five chapters so read it when you can. When I use the word “child,” I mean an immature person no matter how old he actually is, and the word “man” refers to a mature person no matter how young he is.
The following are but a few of the concepts found in James.
• A child quarrels, argues and demands his own way, but a mature man will listen first, attempt to reason with others, and ultimately do what is right.
• A child will try to avoid his responsibilities, but a man will readily do what is required of him no matter the hardship.
• A child lies easily, but a man will tell the truth no matter the consequences.
• A child talks incessantly, but a man will show respect