Why it's important to be a gentlemen
The other day I stumbled across a video of Steve Harvey responding to a question from a senior citizen in the audience. The lady asked why young men wouldn't give up their seat for her on public transport. Steve Harvey gave a fantastic reply and it reminded me of how important it is for us to raise young men to be gentlemen. You can check the video out at the below.
“If a lady got on the bus I had to get up and give her my seat... All you had to do was be female and I’d give you my seat”
We as men have a responsibility to be gentlemen and teach younger men to be gentlemen too. I've been blessed with numerous male role models who speak into my life. My dad has been one of them. As I grew up he didn't just use words but he taught me through his actions as well, for example, my dad would always hold the door open for my mum. I also remember being on a train heading into the city when he told me to give up my seat for an elderly couple looking for a seat.
I'm very passionate about this topic and I think its pretty cool when we see men act like gentlemen.
In a world full of porn, video games and men living in their parents basements until they are 30 years old. It's time for men to man up and be gentlemen.
Here are a few thoughts for young men in today's world:
1. Surround yourself with older men.
In our efforts to be gentlemen and to "man up" it's imperative that we surround ourselves with older and wiser men who can speak into our lives. You might not have any good male role models in your life at the moment but I believe it's something we have to be proactive about. Often young men in our youth ministry will tell me they love being a part of our church because there are so many father figures who they can learn from and look up to. Find men who can have a positive voice in your life. Offer to meet them at a cafe and pay for their coffee. Often when you extend this invitation to older men they are very receptive and appreciate of the initiative you take.
2. Stay humble and teachable.
It's easy as young men to let pride creep up in our lives. We need to be all over this, continually checking our attitude. Pride is unattractive and is repulsive. Young men who are humble and teachable find favour with men. Watch as God uses you as you stay humble and teachable. By being teachable we are watchful. Have watchful eyes and observe how older men carry themselves and behave. It sounds a little bit creepy but it actually works haha. I have learned a lot by watching people I look up to interact with other people. There is much to learn all around us.
3. Be selfless rather then selfish.
I want to be the kind of guy that will hold open the door for women until I die. If we are prepared to hold a door open for someone or give up our seat on a bus it says a lot about us. We love and care about people. Jesus modeled this for us. He calls us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
Next time we go to the petrol station rather than rushing in and out, why not ask the cashier how their day has been. A simple thing but could mean a lot to the cashier. Look to encourage people in the little mundane things of life. A smile can go a long way. Holding a door open for someone could mean a lot. Giving up your seat on the bus could make someone’s day. There are plenty of opportunities all around us to encourage and help other people.
Finally men whether your 15 or 40 years old let's continue to be gentlemen. Treat women well and with respect. Let's be considerate of others and not be self consumed.
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