Many teen boys resemble David, the young shepherd, more than Goliath, who our culture extols as a model of masculinity. Ask teens what masculinity means, and measure their definition against David’s life. You could ask:

• Was challenging Goliath manly?
• Did the Israelites, or even David’s eldest brother, believe he had what it took to kill a giant?
• How can you show masculinity without physical strength?
• How can you avoid the pride of Goliath when it comes to masculinity?
• What would you do if you were up against Goliath?

David drew his strength from God, not from what the Israelites, Saul, his brothers or a warrior ascribed to him. He knew that God would give him the strength and the power needed to take on a nine-foot giant.

My parents taught me to identify the character traits of people I wanted to emulate. In doing this, I learned that my identity as a man comes from Christ. Being a godly man has no blueprint, and manhood encompasses integrity, knowledge, chivalry and the willingness to do whatever God puts before you.