Seven More Men

1. True Manhood Means Using Strength to Protect and Serve

God’s idea of manhood is something else entirely.

Manhood redefined. The author argues that modern society is confused about manhood, often presenting distorted ideas like being "macho" (domineering) or "emasculated" (denying masculine strength). God's design is different, celebrating masculinity as strength intended for blessing others.

Strength for others. Biblical manhood involves using God-given strength to protect the weak, women, and children. This is a heroic, chivalrous ideal, not about selfish power. True strength is surrendered to God's purposes, serving others rather than dominating them.

Servant leadership. The concept aligns with biblical servant leadership, where the leader gives himself for those he leads, like a good shepherd laying down his life. This contrasts with worldly power grabs and emphasizes selflessness and sacrifice for a greater good.

2. George Washington: Surrendering Power for a Higher Purpose

Had this day been wanting, the world had never seen the last stage of perfection to which human nature is capable of attaining.

Unfathomable sacrifice. George Washington, a man of immense ambition and power, voluntarily gave up the chance to become king or dictator after winning the Revolutionary War. This act, unprecedented for a victorious military leader, was a selfless surrender of extraordinary power.

Character matters. His decision at Newburgh in 1783, facing a potential military coup, demonstrated his commitment to civilian authority and the nascent republic over personal gain. His humble act of putting on spectacles while addressing his officers dramatically shifted the mood and saved the American experiment.

Lasting legacy. Washington's repeated refusal of absolute power set crucial precedents for the American presidency, including the two-term limit. His character and willingness to prioritize the nation's future over his own ambition were indispensable to the survival and success of the United States.

3. William Wilberforce: Faith-Fueled Battle Against Injustice

God Almighty... has set before me two Great Objects: the suppression of the Slave Trade and the Reformation of Manners.

Life transformed. William Wilberforce, a wealthy and popular politician, experienced a profound Christian conversion that redirected his life's purpose. He saw his talents and influence as gifts from God to be used for others, leading him to dedicate his life to social reform.

Two great missions. His primary focus became the abolition of the slave trade, a brutal, decades-long political battle against powerful economic interests. Simultaneously, he pursued the "Reformation of Manners," a broader effort to infuse biblical morality and compassion into British culture, addressing issues like child labor, alcoholism, and animal cruelty.

Grace in battle. Wilberforce relied on God, prayer, and a community of believers (the Clapham Circle) for strength. He fought his opponents with passion but also with grace, refusing to demonize them and even working with political rivals for common good, demonstrating that true Christian action involves loving one's enemies.

4. Eric Liddell: Sacrificing Earthly Glory for Divine Obedience

There are greater issues in life than sport, and the greatest of these is loyalty to the great laws of the soul.

Principle over prize. Eric Liddell, the "Flying Scotsman," famously refused to run in his best Olympic event, the 100-meter dash, because the heats were held on a Sunday. This decision, sacrificing almost certain gold and national acclaim for his religious conviction, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to God's commands.

God's purpose. His athletic talent, which he initially questioned, became a platform for evangelism, drawing crowds to hear him speak about his faith. His willingness to obey God, even when it seemed counterintuitive or costly, ultimately led him to win the 400-meter race and set a world record, a victory he attributed to God's help.

Life of service. Beyond the Olympics, Liddell became a missionary in China, facing war, separation from family, and internment in a Japanese camp. Even in hardship, he served others, especially children, embodying his belief that obedience to God was the highest calling, culminating in his death in the camp.

5. Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Standing Against Evil, Even Unto Death

When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.

Prophetic voice. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a brilliant German theologian, was one of the first to recognize the radical evil of Nazism and its incompatibility with Christianity. He spoke out against Hitler's "Führer Principle" and the Nazi attempt to corrupt the church with racial ideology.

Costly discipleship. Bonhoeffer emphasized that true faith requires action and sacrifice, not "cheap grace." He helped form the Confessing Church to stand against the Nazified state church and led an illegal seminary to train pastors in genuine discipleship.

Resistance and martyrdom. Believing Christians were obligated to stand for the persecuted (especially the Jews), Bonhoeffer joined the conspiracy to assassinate Hitler. His return to Germany from safety in America in 1939 was a conscious decision to share his people's fate. Imprisoned and eventually executed, his life exemplified his teaching that obedience to God might lead to suffering and death, but it is the path to true freedom.

6. Jackie Robinson: Heroic Restraint in the Face of Hatred

I’m looking... for a ballplayer with guts enough not to fight back.

Breaking barriers. Jackie Robinson was chosen by Branch Rickey to integrate major-league baseball, a decision rooted in both men's deep Christian faith. Rickey needed a player with not just talent but the extraordinary moral courage to endure relentless racial abuse without retaliating.

Superhuman effort. Robinson's promise to Rickey, inspired by the Sermon on the Mount's call to turn the other cheek, required immense self-control. Facing vicious insults, death threats, and physical attacks, he held his tongue and temper, knowing that his restraint was crucial for the success of integration and for future black players.

Faith in action. His stoic dignity and exceptional play in the face of hatred won over teammates and fans, proving that character and talent transcended race. Robinson's life demonstrated that fighting injustice sometimes requires a different kind of strength—one rooted in faith, patience, and a willingness to suffer for a greater cause.

7. Pope John Paul II: Suffering and Strength for Human Dignity

Be not afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ.

Unexpected leader. Karol Wojtyla, a Polish cardinal, rose unexpectedly to the papacy, bringing youthful vigor, intellectual depth, and a unique perspective shaped by life under totalitarianism. His charisma and global travels connected him with millions, especially young people.

Champion of freedom. Having experienced both Nazism and Communism, John Paul II became a powerful voice for human dignity and religious freedom, challenging oppressive regimes, particularly in his native Poland, where his visits fueled the Solidarity movement and contributed to the fall of communism.

Strength in weakness. Surviving an assassination attempt and later suffering visibly from Parkinson's disease, he transformed his physical weakness into a powerful witness. He identified with the suffering and vulnerable, consistently advocating for the sacredness of all human life, from the unborn to the infirm, demonstrating God's strength through his own frailty.

8. Charles Colson: Redemption and Ministry from the Depths

I have committed my life to Jesus Christ and I can work for him in prison as well as out.

Fall and conversion. Charles Colson, a ruthless political operative in the Nixon White House, experienced a dramatic Christian conversion amidst the Watergate scandal. Reading C.S. Lewis, he confronted his own pride and sin, leading to a profound surrender to God.

Costly obedience. Despite legal advice, Colson refused a plea bargain that would have required him to lie, choosing instead to voluntarily confess to a lesser crime. This decision, rooted in his newfound faith, led to a prison sentence, which he accepted as God's will.

Prison transformed. His time in prison became a period of deep spiritual growth and revelation, where he saw his fellow inmates as brothers in Christ. This experience ignited his passion for prison ministry, leading him to found Prison Fellowship, dedicating the rest of his life to serving prisoners and advocating for criminal justice reform, fulfilling a vision he received from God.

Last updated: May 18, 2025