Training4Manhood

The idea that men speak truth, serve others, love deeply and endure joyfully are all grounded in the concept that men have an authority in their life which guides them, instructs them, teaches them what it means to be a man - and that authority is God Himself. Time with God, in His Word, is essential for the training of a man - just like time in gym is essential for the athlete, a man must do the hard work of learning from the Author and Perfecter, the Creator of life - God. 

How do you handle adversity? Men “endure joyfully” - meaning that you make the best of a situation, regardless of whether it’s your fault or someone else’s - you don’t allow the pressure of the situation to change you - remember the "principle of the toothpaste" - when there’s pressure applied, what’s inside will come out! What comes out of you when you are under pressure?  Hopefully the character which is revealed in tough times is attractive, positive, beneficial, and respectful!

What will others say about you at your funeral - not thinking about that now, well you should be! What you love will drive your passions and influence your actions - it will be obvious to all - and a day will come when others are reflecting on the man that you were by talking about the things that you loved - what will they say about you?

This is the second week of examining some key concepts of what it means to be a man - Men speak truth, serve others, love deeply, endure joyfully, and humbly walk with the Lord. What does it mean to "serve" others - it takes eyes to see the needs of others, a humility to be willing to do what needs to be done, and then a commitment to serve them even if it costs you! Remember, a prideful life is a lonely life - serving others makes connections and builds vital community that you can't, and shouldn't, live without!

The only thing that grows without work is weeds! To grow into manhood takes work, effort, intentionality! Our guest this week is Gabe Boyd who shares a motto for manhood that he created working with middle school boys - "Men speak truth, serve others, love deeply, endure joyfully, and humbly walk with the Lord." What is your motto for manhood?

Peter Pan - subtitled "the boy who wouldn't grow up," makes for a fun story, but boys who don't mature into men make for lousy husbands and fathers - but why are so many males not men?

Two general concepts:

1. Not all males will be men. Manhood is a set of principles, not a particular age or activity that one does.

2. To truly be a "man" you must be under the authority of God. To have a proper understand of who you are, you need to know the author, the designer, of life.