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Rise Up Ole' Men of God!
Throughout scripture we see God primarily utilizing the talents and gifts of men to reach a lost world. God intended for man take spiritual leadership seriously. Today, when a man comes to faith in an unsaved family, there is a 93% chance the entire family will come to faith.
Unfortunately, over time too many men have become spiritual spectators instead of participants. Our first role model failed. Adam relinquished his responsibility to protect, secure, and defend his family from the temptations life brings.
In the Garden of Eden, Satan had his way with Eve as “Adam looked on.” Much like Adam, too many men are passive when it comes to faith issues and leading their families to a biblical world view.
Unfortunately, the pressures of modern life and the lack of awareness among some men has created a vacuum of male leadership in too many homes and churches. Rather than take on the mantel of spiritual leadership, it has been more comfortable for some men to unplug and “let mom do it.”
The Apostle Paul reminds us, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 Part of being a strong leader, is to be self-disciplined in the things of the Lord. How can we be effective leaders if we don’t spend time listening to our Master for guidance and direction? How can we determine the purpose of our lives without knowing the One who provides that plan? How else can we be fulfilled and live a life of both success and significance if we don’t read the instruction manual – the Book of Life?
Many of us complain about the direction our world is going, yet we bury our heads in our computers or become so attached to our recliners, with the remote control in hand, that we fail to take advantage of opportunities to become a participant.
Jesus warned us about spiritual complacency, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." Matthew 11:12 He was telling us to watch out for the men who want to attack family values and our biblical world view.
My friends, I don’t know any other way for us to protect, defend, secure, and lead our families to right thinking. It requires that we become participants and not just spectators. With love, grace, perseverance, patience, and determination let’s take on those who would have us believe that we should just give in to the immoral and unethical people in our communities and governments.
Let’s rally the men in our churches to become positive role models to our children and community. Where do we begin? One group that really needs our help is the growing number of single parented families. James, the half brother of Jesus said, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27
I believe the orphans and widows of our day are the many single-parent children and moms who need a helping hand. We can be role models for the kids in our neighborhood by showing a Christ-like love through our time and talents. This is something we all can do.
Finally, let’s remember the words from Paul’s heart – "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10 Let’s take the opportunity that is ours.
Have a great week! Blessings Jim |
