The Making of a Man

Part #1

Once upon a time, back when the universe was brand-spanking new, the Almighty got a little creative and made man out of dirt. Yes, that’s right—dirt. And what did he do with this raw, wild creature? He breathed life into it, gave it a divine spark, and bam! Man became a hybrid—part angel, part animal, the kind of creature that gets angels all a-flutter, singing and dancing and has animals scampering for cover. This was the guy who would name things, rule over nature, and define the world. He walked with God, feared nothing, had no limits and had no guilt … yet.

But what’s a man if he isn’t tangled up with dirt? Dirt is his world. He builds with it, plants in it, has dirty thoughts, and somehow finds ways to cover himself with it—whether changing the oil in his truck or rooting around for the lawnmower spark plug he swears he just had in his hand a minute ago. And don’t get me started on those grease-covered jeans he tries to wear to church.

Since those early days, man has been where the action and challenges are. He hunts in the woods, scales mountains, and plays with danger. It’s his element. But he’s not just a beast. He’s got that divine spark, after all. He desires to walk where God walks. Men create like the Creator and find meaning in improving circumstances. Men build palaces for the women they love and dwell in simpler places, like garages, themselves. They are inventors of sailing, travelling, and flying; music, paintings, and architecture; cooking, fashion (!), and art; making war and bargaining for peace; being violent and charming at the same time. 

Every man is an odd blend of beast and spirit. Unlike animals, which live by instinct, and angels, which serve by design, men have a unique problem: they get to decide which part to lean into every morning. "Shall I be a pig or an angel today?" This is the eternal male conundrum, and whatever choice he makes—whether he’s aware of it or not—defines his day.

Then, the first man felt lonely. As for companionship, he quickly discovered that neither animals nor nature could satisfy him.  His work, caring and ruling the whole world, did not make him happy. Angelic beings, with all their singing, colours, harmony, and marvels, are not his milieu. Even daily jogging with God in the afternoon was not enough to fill a certain void in his heart. 

So he asked God: “ What is wrong with me?”

God said: “You need a woman.”

“What is that?” he marvelled.

“Oh, it will be someone like you but entirely different. It will be a Shela, a unique kind of creature. She will demand to live in Paradise. If you stay together, I will make a Garden of Eden for you both. Shela will be beautiful; her voice will be music to your ears, supportive, soft, never criticizing you, and submissive. She will admire you and compliment you in every way.” 

“It sounds awesome! What will it cost me?”

“It will cost you the left side of your brain, a right arm and a left leg,” God said nonchalantly. 

“Oh my!” the man was taken aback. Then he haggled his way down to a rib: “It seems too much. What can I get for a rib?”

“Okay,” said God, made him drowsy, cleaned one side from all the dirt, removed a rib, and created Eve. 

And thus, the grand tradition of men giving up everything for women began. That is when also the word “drama” was invented. Until today, any man looking for a woman has to clean up his garage, dress up, lose the ability of logical thinking for a time, be drunk, and pay the cost, whatever it is. In exchange, he gets a lot of advice, inspiration, good food, and insane pleasure. He will work all his life to build a paradise for her.  She’ll multiply anything he gives her: give her a house, and she’ll make a home. Give her ingredients, and she’ll make a feast. Give her trouble, and... From then on, they started to name hurricanes with female names. He will never understand her; she will always be in his face. And that’s how we define “Paradise”. 

So, what does this mean for the modern man? He wants it all. He wants to rule the world, have a most adoring beauty by his side, live in paradise, and still walk with God. It’s no small task, but the Creator, who knows him best, sets the bar high. It’s not about wealth, or muscles, or how well you can change a tire or shoot a gun. It’s about whether you can face life’s challenges with courage, grace, and a lot of humour. It’s about whether you can hold tight to your faith, to God, stand firm in your principles, and love fiercely.

The secret to manhood, you see, is in the struggle itself—being both animal and angel, sinner and saint. The Almighty never meant for a godly man to have it easy, but He gave him simple instructions. Walk with God. Love your wife. Raise your kids. Honour your parents. Be your best man, and stop worrying about fancy labels and hashtags.

So, the next time you’re wondering about your purpose in life, remember it’s already laid out in front of you. Get the basics right first. Be a man. The rest, as they say, is just minor details.

Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?

Do not be overly wicked, nor be foolish: Why should you die before your time?

Ecclesiastes 7:16-17

Reading tip

Join Eldredge calls men to discover the true secret of the masculine soul and finally start living the life God intended for every man. Get it on Amazon.

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