What would inspire men to take off their life jackets, give them to other men, and go down with the ship? It is obvious that, in a very short   time, the four chaplains had developed a very robust identity as servants of God. That identity and their calling to serve shaped them more than the very natural instinct of self- preservation. No doubt, not all four men had the same   courage   that night, but witnessing each other’s bravery and fortitude bound them together in a united mission to serve their fellow soldiers.

As men, our main purpose in life radiates around taking care of other people: our immediate families, our work associates, the communities we are part of, our aging parents.  Like the four Army chaplains, we are called to serve others and lead by example, to occupy our space   and not shrink back from it. Trust comes from delivering on our promises and commitments. When men speak encouraging words to others and perform deeds of valor, they become everything the Master made them to be, and they encourage other men to do the same.

King David declared in Psalm 19:13- 14: “Keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins… Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.” David knew both his words and deeds were evident to God, and he wanted them to be pleasing to Him.

We can break it down most simply like this:

• The words we say as men are very important.
• The deeds we do as men are equally vital.
• Aligning our words and deeds is crucial for an impactful life.

It is possible to spend a significant part of our lives without thinking about the synthesis of our words and deeds. Their alignment gives our lives personal meaning and broader impact. Both words and deeds are necessary for an exemplary life and for closing the gap between the man we are and the man we want to be.

Think about the men and women in your life who influenced you the most.  What do you notice about their words and actions? Were they people of integrity? Here are important questions to ask:

• How does a man appear to others when he is mostly talk and no action? What about a man with all deeds and few words?
• Which man are you?
• How do others see you?
• Is there a gap between the man you portray to others and the man you actually are?

Self-awareness is essential for becoming the man God wants you to be.  Aligning your words and deeds   requires   an honest assessment of one’s self. You also cannot embark on this kind of change alone. You need others to give you an honest review of your   character   and keep you strong and accountable as you journey towards greater integrity.

It takes guts to live a life of integrity, to live and serve like the chaplains on the SS Dorchester. Every man must confront the gaps in his life in order to live a life of significance. Don’t squander the gifts God has given you to serve others.  Life is too short to be the critic on the sideline, who will one day be filled with regret. Be the man in the arena, full of courageous integrity. He will be knocked down and bloodied, but he will also know victory. For only the man in the arena truly knows that he is not fighting alone.

As men, our main purpose in life Radiates around Taking care of other people: our immediate families, our work Associates, the Communities we are part of, our aging Parents. Like the four army chaplains, we are called to serve others and lead by Example, to occupy our space and not Shrink back from it. Trust comes from delivering on our Promises and Commitments. When men speak Encouraging words to others and Perform deeds of valor, they become Everything the Master made them to be, and they Encourage other men to do the same