The search for the perfect man, it has become a disease that is sweeping through the community of believers, faster than most pitfalls of doctrine or theology today. This obsession for the perfect pastor, leader, mentor, husband, father or friend. We have resolved ourselves to this passionate undertaking, hoping to find and acknowledge a ‘true man of the Lord.’ Searching our world for a man deserving of the title ‘a man after God’s own heart.’ The scriptures speak of such men, Christ was this man, Paul encourages young man to dedicate themselves towards this role, men who are approved and unashamed.
In the wake of the recent Rob Bell debacle, many individuals in the church were reminded of the incredible capacity that Christian leaders have to persuade and influence thousands of individuals world wide. Thus, in this time of modern communication, where a single statement is spread like wildfire throughout the entire world of the internet, it remains no mystery why men of integrity, purity and Godliness are needed to wield and handle God’s word in manor that will glorify our father. It seems appropriate then to be highly concerned with the men we support and encourage to proclaim truth to this seemingly endless audience. If these men are to be the face of the gospel, one that will undoubtedly undergo immense scrutiny, our call to critically evaluate these individuals is surely of great importance.
The question then we must ask ourselves is: By what standard do we evaluate a man?
Certainly we can look to Christ as the utmost authority of manhood. Yet, we know His perfection is unattainable by any man, so how then are we to proceed? Paul, is an excellent model, one that many men have sought to emulate with diligence. The scriptures have countless passages 1 that clearly detail the standard of a Godly man, with regards to nearly every aspect of his life and person.
So my question is not what the perfect standard of a man should be. The true question I raise, is whether such a man exists. Perhaps we have become to idealistic a culture, seeing certain flaws as simply unacceptable and developing standards of holistic living that are simply unattainable by man. I regard Christ, Paul and the texts that address biblical manhood, as honest and certain truth. They reflect standards of holistic living that are of incredible importance and should be understood as the ideal goal for any man to pursue. However, as men and a community, we must learn to temper our expectations for the Godly man. If he does exist.
Countless pastors continue to fall from the ranks each year, many because the standard to which they were held was to rigorous, others because the church had an overly exacting implementation of their standards. Accordingly, there can be no doubt that fewer and fewer men are considering themselves worthy of the title and position of elder, pastor or even Christian. I do not claim that such standards alone are to blame, but perhaps overly rigid and ungracious employment of such regulations have lead to the demise of many a good man.
As a man who seeks to be the best at whatever I commit myself, I must admit that while a high standard encourages me to strive for it, an unattainable one leads me instead to two unfortunate choices. One, is to forgo the pursuit all together. The second, is to lie, so as to make it appear as though I have achieved the impossible. I wonder if our churches are filled with two such men, pulpits housing liars and pews lined with men of integrity. I suggest a critical assessment of our current practice for evaluating men, leaders and lay alike. We shall not lower the standard, but simply acknowledge our insufficiency to attain it, adjusting our hearts and expectations accordingly.
James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 3:1-2 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
James 4:11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.
James 5:9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
1 Corinthians 4:3, 7 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
1 Ephesians 4:11-16; Acts 20:28, 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Titus 1:1-16, 1 Peter 5:1-5 and Acts 6:4, Acts 20, 1 Timothy 5:17, Ephesians 4:3, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:2, 2 Timothy 2:2; 4:2, Acts 13:1-4, Acts 1:14