Controlled Strength

"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay', says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." -Romans 12:19-21

Yes, men you read this verse right. Fist fighting and acting all macho in your words and actions is not the way to handle confrontation that arises. A lot of guys seem to think that fighting is the macho way to show that you're a real man who isn't about to get pushed around or looked at as weak. They think this is a form of looking superior to the other party in the confrontation. This is contrary to what God says about this kind of situation.

God has called you to protect those loved ones around you, yes, but this doesn't mean you have to go looking for a fight to show how tough you are. It doesn't make you a man to throw a punch at somebody. It makes you more of a man to be able to talk yourself out of a hairy situation and walk away untouched. Don't get me wrong here; there come times where you're going to have to show your teeth and get dirty but this should never be your first response, rather a last resort. I know how we're wired as guys, we want adventure and action and fighting for some is just a natural result of this but knowing you can fight but choosing to walk away from it with your head high is a much more attractive trait to have in your tool kit. This shows leadership and control. Any little weak minded boy can get in a fight. It takes a man to walk away. A word to the wise too, if you meet a girl who wants you to start fights with other guys to prove yourself as a man to her, run away from this kind of girl, she's major trouble!

This is so important because by being able to control your temper, emotions, and actions, it is the key to being a leader in your own life. Remember, any fool can fight. Have you ever seen the little dog barking and clawing at a much larger dog almost as if the larger dog is just toying with the little dog letting him think he's intimidating him? With one swipe this big dog could send the little guy to doggy heaven but he stays reserved and powerful but doesn't act on his strength to hurt the smaller dog. Be this kind of a guy. The one that is strong and powerful but keeps his strength and emotions in check and under control. If you react every time somebody messes with you, cut it out! Detach those strings that get a bad reaction out of you and take the high road. This is especially important when dealing with women. Don't react negatively every time they say something you don't like. Take the high road and walk tall. Protect them in your response. God sees your sacrifice men, even when it's tough to bite your tongue or hold your fist in your pocket. He's got your back and his vengeance is way more severe than anything you can administer, so leave the punishment up to him and don't forget to pray for your persecutors. God tells us to overlook an offense and kill 'em with kindness and watch what it can do. Overcome evil with good.

Controlled strength is a leadership quality every man must learn on his path to authentic manhood.