I recently heard Darrin Patrick talking about Biblical manhood and he called us out! He was talking to young guys in the late teens to early thirties and he said that we are trying hard not to grow up. He said we would rather be a "ban" than a man. What is a "ban"? It is a guy who wants to look like a man and have the respect of a man and make the money of a man but have the freedom, responsibility, leisure, and entertainment of a boy.
God has given us real responsibilities and we must step up and act like real men.
In our personal relationships with Jesus, we must take responsibility and invest ourselves like we mean it.
In our relationships with our wives (or future wives), we have to live selflessly and purely so that we value and treasure them as gifts from God.
With our children, we must be heroes who show them the power of the love of God through the way we love them, train them, sacrifice for them, and pour out mercy on them.
In our jobs, we must work diligently as if working for God.
In our communities, we need to be known for our kindness and gospel witness.
In our churches, we need to be humble and faithful servants who lead with firm gentleness.
In our recreation and entertainment, we need to have the heart of God in mind as we refresh ourselves for His glory and not our own mindless enjoyment.
How can we live up to all of these responsibilities?!
It is not easy, but then, being a man was never supposed to be easy. Through Christ, we have access to the Spirit of God who empowers and guides us to success.
Let's banish the temptation to become a "ban" and settle for nothing less than godly manhood!
"Lord, give me the strength to live for you and not for myself. You know that this is a daily struggle. Empower me to fight for manhood in my own life. For your glory in my life and in my death!"
He must increase, I must decrease.
JasonPS
