"When A Man's A Man"
There comes a time in the life of every gospel preacher when in order to be a man he must take a stand.
Harold Bell Wright is the author of a book which bears the above caption — When A Man's A Man. Mr. Wright's design seems to be to show that there are times when men must make important decisions and stick to them. He strives to show that men are not men (in the true sense of the word) just because they are begotten and born into the world; that men must prove themselves.
I am not so much interested in Mr. Wright's ideas, however good they might be, on this subject. But I am interested in the general theme about which he wrote — When A Man's A Man.
I believe that the idea expressed above — There comes a time in the life of every gospel preacher when in order to be a man he must take a stand — is true to the word of God. I believe in fact that the statement could be made of every child of God. Paul admonished in I Corinthians 16:13: 'Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." Does this statement not express the idea that we are to take a stand if we are to be men? (1 'Watch ye." There are many things for which we are to watch. We must constantly be on guard against immorality and worldliness, against false teachers and religious error. This word, watch, means to be vigilant, to keep awake. Christians are to take care lest the enemies of truth and right overcome them. (2) "Stand fast in the faith." Previously Paul had instructed: "...be ye steadfast, unmovable. . ." (15:58) To the Galatians he said: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free ..." (5:1) To the Philippians: ". . stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel." (1:27.) We must realize that the devil will use any means at his disposal to lead us from the truth of God into sin and error. Generally it is the 'baby," not the "man," who is led into digression. "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may row up into him ip all things, which is the head, even Christ." (Eph. 4:14, 15.) If we would be men, then let us heed Peter's advice: ". . . beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness." (II Pet. 3:17.) Every child of God should be firm in defending gospel truths. Christians should also be firm in warring against every departure from such truths. (3) "Quit you like men." This simply means: Be a man! Behave like men! These phrases (stand fast: suit you like men), appearing together as they do indicate to us that one cannot be a man who will not stand for his convictions. If you would be a man, stand! This is the idea. It has been said (and I believe rightly so) that if a man will not stand for his convictions, either he has no convictions or he is not a man. (4) "Be strong." Quite often preachers will not stand for their convictions because they are fearful of their own weaknesses. Brethren, if we had to rely upon our own strength, we would meet defeat time and time again. However, our personal weakness can be overcome if we will just "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." (Eph. 6:10.) The truth of God is our strength, the armour which he had given to us is our defense. With these we shall not meet defeat. Let us then be men, let us stand, let us be strong!
Truly the great need of the church is men; men who love the truth and are willing to stand for it; men who are willing to defend it; men who are willing to declare it simply, plainly, forcefully, and fully; men who can rise above their own prejudices; men who care not what the sinners, either within or without the church, may say or think of them (or do to them).
The Bible is full of admonitions for us to be men. 'Be of good courage, and let us play the men.. " (II Sam, 10:12.) " ..shew thyself a man." (I Kings 2:2.) ".. shew yourselves men . ." (Isa. 46:8) "Gird up thy loins now like a man. . " (Job 40:7.) ". . . in understanding be men." (I Cor. 14:20.) "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." (I Cor. 13:11.)
When I was preaching in North Carolina a few years ago there were some preachers (some had been preaching for many years) who, when asked as to their views concerning present "issues," would always say: "We are still studying the issues!" Now certainly no one should deny that it is good to "study the issues." In fact the gospel preacher is foolish indeed who jumps on one side or the other of any controversy without carefully weighing the known facts in the light of the Bible. But I fear that, too often, such statements as the above are made merely to "wiggle out" of giving a frank and forthright statement of one's beliefs and convictions. Brethren, let's be men and let others know where we stand. Study "the issues"? Certainly so! And never cease to study them. But don't be so weak-kneed as to use such a statement to conceal your beliefs. Study the Bible with an open mind. Think for yourself. Forget about lining up with some paper, school, or influential group. Make your decision. Then stand for it until sincerely and honestly convinced that you are wrong.
I am convinced that there are gospel preachers, young and old, who know the truth and who respect, to some degree at least, the authority of Jesus Christ but who have not quit themselves like men and taken their stand firmly on God's Word. Be men, brethren!