As boys we want to become men. As we become men we want to know how a man is supposed to act. In comes the “Man Code.” A set of rules created by men to govern the behavior of men. These rules can only be changed by men. If you fail to follow the “Man Code” you are at risk of losing your “Man Card.”

1. A few examples of the G rated rules are:
2. A man may exaggerate any anecdote told to your friends by 50% without recrimination;
3. Under no circumstances may two men share an umbrella.
4. On a road trip, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not the weakest.
5. If a man’s zipper is down, that’s his problem, you didn’t see anything;
6. If a buddy has lint, an eyelash, or any other foreign object on his hair or face, under no circumstances are you permitted to remove it. However an appropriate hand gesture may be made to make him aware of it.
7. While humorous, the state of society tells me that it this code is not helpful.

This morning I have been chewing on the following question: What if we used David’s 101st Psalm as an outline for a new “Man Code”?

It would look something like this:

1. I will be a man whose life is known by God’s love and justice.
2. I will conduct the affairs of my house with a blameless heart.
3. I refuse to take a second look at corrupting people and degrading things.
4. I reject all manmade gods and stay clear of contamination.
5. I will keep a distance from the crooked in heart.
6. I refuse to shake hands with those who plan evil.
7. I will put a gag on the gossip that bad-mouths his neighbor.
8. I will not tolerate arrogance.
9. I will seek salt-of-the-earth people – they’re the ones I want working with me;
10. I will seek out men and women on the straight and narrow— these are the ones I want at my side.
11. I will not hire or associate with anyone who traffics in lies.

I think that if men were brave enough to live by this code it would change the world.

But I’m probably wrong.