Ellen G. White describes what it means to be a man in several ways throughout her writings. Here are key points based on her counsel:
- A true man is God-fearing, honest, and humble, not boastful or self-sufficient. He studies the Bible, respects those with experience, and is actuated by love for God and interest in others. “To be a man that God can approve and use in his cause, is honor enough for any human being. Office, wealth, position, sink into insignificance in comparison.” (Gospel Workers 92, p. 381.4)
- Manhood is not just about physical strength or position, but about character: “The elements of character that make a man successful and honored among men—the irrepressible desire for some greater good, the indomitable will, the strenuous exertion, the untiring perseverance—will not be crushed out. By the grace of God they will be directed to objects as much higher than mere selfish and temporal interests as the heavens are higher than the earth.” (Counsels to Teachers, p. 21.2)
- A man should be responsible, industrious, and self-supporting, with a noble ambition to bear his own weight and not depend on others. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 308.1)
- True manliness includes humility, the courage to admit mistakes, and a willingness to grow and overcome weaknesses by God’s grace. “To say, ‘That mistake must be charged to my account,’ requires a strength of inward principle that the world possesses in but a limited degree. But he who has the courage to say this in sincerity gains a decided victory over self and effectually closes the door against the enemy.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 336.3)
- A man is to be considerate, especially toward women, and should seek to lighten their burdens. “No young man can be possessed of a right spirit who does not respect women and seek to lighten their cares. It is the worst sign that can be found in a young man to consider it beneath him to lighten the labor of women.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 311.2)
- Christian manliness is shown by obedience to God, perseverance in duty, and growth in grace. “Let everyone who professes Christ seek to overcome all unmanliness, all weakness and folly. Some men never grow up to the full stature of men in Christ Jesus. They are childish and self-indulgent. Humble piety would correct all this.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 597.1)
- A man should be willing to serve, to take responsibility, to plan, to act decisively, and to be a blessing to others.
In summary, to be a man, according to Ellen G. White, is to develop a Christlike character—marked by humility, responsibility, perseverance, respect for others, and a willingness to serve and grow in grace. True manhood is measured by moral and spiritual excellence, not by outward achievements or status.
References:
- White, E. G. (1892). Gospel Workers 92, p. 381.4.
- White, E. G. (1913). Counsels to Teachers, p. 21.2.
- White, E. G. (1870). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, pp. 308.1, 311.2.
- White, E. G. (1876). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 336.3.
- White, E. G. (1885). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 597.1.