There are many great men in the world.
Think about the great men that you know? Some of them you may know of whilst there may be some that you know very well and / or have a personal close relationship with.
I was surprised to hear that there is actually a “Great Man theory”. Originally popularized in the 1840s by Scottish writer, Thomas Carlyle “the great man theory is a 19th-century idea according to which history can be largely explained by the impact of great men, or heroes; highly influential individuals who, due to either their personal charisma, intelligence, wisdom, or political skill used their power in a way that had a decisive historical impact.”
Herbert Spencer, disagreed with him and to this day people follow his “great man theory” and we can see why.
He believed that the men Carlyle called “great men” were merely products of their social environment:
You must admit that the genesis of a great man depends on the long series of complex influences which has produced the race in which he appears, and the social state into which that race has slowly grown…. Before he can remake his society, his society must make him.
— Herbert Spencer, The Study of Sociology
Well said.
As we celebrate Father’s Day this year, I want to bring a ‘great man’ to your attention who many overlook.
God fearing. Honest. Kind. Full of integrity. Hard working. Just man. Simple.
Married a woman who was having someone else’s child. Could have disgraced her but chose to be obedient to Christ.
If you thought of Joseph, earthly father of Jesus, then you would be correct.
Like Joseph, there are many men who have the same characteristics. And they are not recognized. Many would prefer to not be recognized but silently live lives impacting others. Never getting credit.
So I will leave you with this food for thought…
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Identify 3 men who you believe are ‘great men’. Let them know that they are great and thank them for all that they do.
Final Words: For those men that are taking care of children that are not their own, you may not receive the credit you deserve but do it all unto the Lord and HIS glory. For all fathers, seek Christ’s guidance, even when times get tough, follow HIS direction and give HIM all the glory.
Prayer: Abba Father, how great you are. Your wisdom has no boundaries. No one can fathom your thoughts. Thank you for your Word which provides us sound guidance on how to be Godly men and women. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth (John 17:17). To God be the glory. To God be the glory. Amen
May God’s grace, peace and love be with you.