7 Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness
When you’re down and out.
When you’re on the street.
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I’ll take your part [^1]
7 Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness
Eric Metaxas makes the case that real greatness in men comes from serving others, not from machismo.
- The format: Seven short biographies of Christian men who are widely known but not well understood.
- The lineup: George Washington, William Wilberforce, Eric Liddell, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Jackie Robinson, Pope John Paul II, and Chuck Colson.
- The thread: Each man used his strength — physical, emotional, spiritual — for others, especially in his deepest struggles.
Go Deeper
What Metaxas gets right. These aren’t hagiographies. The men faced real failure and doubt. What set them apart was relying on and serving God through it, not around it. Why it matters now. The choices these men made reveal the kind of role models we’re short on today. Not perfect men. Faithful ones.
Pick up the book and see how your gifts can lift others up.
7-Word Summary
- Introduction
- Surrender self to a higher purpose.
- George Washington
- He chose democracy over personal power.
- William Wilberforce
- Used his gifts to end slavery.
- Eric Liddell
- He chose Godly glory over personal glory.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- He risked his life to oppose evil.
- Jackie Robinson
- He rose above bigotry and excelled.
- Pope John Paul II
- The people’s pope, uniting faith and humanity.
- Charles W. Colson
- From White House to prison to ministry.
“For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” Luke 22:27 ESV
[^1] Bridge Over Troubled Water, Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel, 1969.