What is a man?

Okay!  I can guess at some of the answers to that question that might be given by certain of my female readers!!  However, it's a serious question - and gender-specific, although the principles apply to the females of the species as well!

The question arose in my mind when earlier today, I read the following news report about French President Nicolas Sarkozy.  "Pint-sized French president Nicolas Sarkozy asked for 'short' security men to protect him during yesterday's state visit to India, it was claimed.  The 1.6m (5ft 5in) leader is believed to have demanded bodyguards of 'small stature' to disguise his own diminutive height.  'This presents a problem because, by their very nature, most security men are tall and well-built.' the country's Daily News and Analysis newspaper claimed.  The demand follows similar claims that workers over 1.7m (5ft 6in) were banned from attending a factory walkabout in France, earlier this year, over fears that they would tower over Mr Sarkozy." (Metro UK).

The report made me think of Goliath!  There was a man who seems to have believed that a man's importance was determined by his physical size.  That was why he was so dismissive of the young man, David, when he came against the giant in battle. (I Sam.17:4ff).  Of course, as the record shows, Goliath was wrong!  Size is not everything!

The real measure of a man is, surely, his character.  I am not in a position to comment on the French president in that area, as I am only able to go by the reports of others and, when it comes to character, that is not always the wisest thing to do.  However if given the opportunity, I would point this out to him.  Saul of Tarsus was, as far as tradition goes, also a man of small stature (the Latin word 'paulus' may be translated as 'short').  But he was head and shoulders above most of his contemporaries when it came to faithfulness, diligence, wisdom, courage, love.  And that little man was used to provide a large percentage of the writings of the New Testament.  And, as I mentioned above, the principle applies to those of either gender. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was small in stature.  Yet few in the 20th century were as well-known for their dedication, humility, compassion, love.  And, of course, there are so many of whom we might think, who fall into the same category - those who were, and are, much 'bigger' than their physical size.

So, the challenge to all of us is this - are we 'big men and women' because of our height; or because we are servants of the living God?  It is He, and He alone, Who ultimately decides the true measure of a man (or of a woman).  May none of us who claim to be His disciples, be found wanting in His sight.

PS.  Don't forget to listen to today's Advent message from Damaris (www.damaris.org)!