June 19, 2026
In honor of Father’s Day, I thought I would bring out a blog that has been in the “unfinished” folder for a little while. This title “What Makes a Man” is not a question but rather a statement that reminds us that being a “man” is about the little things in life and the unique ways we can work to shape the lives of those around us. This is not a post just meant for fathers or men, but all of us who journey together as children of God.
A few months back I spent a couple days of traveling with a friend of mine who was presenting to young people in the outer parts of Ohio. It was great chance for me to sit back and listen to someone else’s message without worrying about content or style or how it relates to my own ministry. As I looked around (as only a “spectator” this time) at the assemblies of students gathered at the different talks and was amazed at how God was truly present in all their faces. Their innocence encouraged me to BE in the moment and embrace THEIR faith with them…THEIR innocence reminded me “What Makes a Man”; ultimately it is what makes us people. I instantly began learning from them and reminded myself that to be “a man” involves humility and reflection of the example we are being for the world.
We have to allow ourselves to be inspired by others and sometimes those younger and less experienced than we are; it is necessary for growth. Each and every day we are the influence to our youth and we are encouraging them and giving them the example on how to be good adults. In the same light, our young people are the example for even littler ones who cling to their every action so that one day they can be big like them and act in the same manner. We are shaping the world one person at a time but are we teaching the responsibility that goes along with it? There is a duty that needs to fulfill and “What Makes a Man” is to make yourself accountable for not only your life but those you have an effect on or those that could have an effect on you.
“What Makes a Man” is not defined by being an adult, your call to a certain vocation or even the fact of being male. No, it is about the realization we were all formed from the same clay in the Earth and from the same rib cage. What makes a man or a “wo-man” is about ultimate respect for others and your relationship back to the One who intended you to be such. A man is somebody who models themselves after Jesus and takes up their daily crosses without handing them over to those around them. In my view, it is not the victories in life that make the man, it is what he does to overcome his failures and the examples he places for others that prove he is worthy to be a leader. Sometimes in reality, it is only the innocence of adolescence can open us up enough to be the model needed in our community and allow us to be who we are called to be.
“No greater love than to lay down your life for a friend.
No greater love than to lift up the life of a friend.”
From “What Makes a Man” by Jesse Manibusan
Posted by Greg Wasinski
