CHRISTIAN MEN OF TODAY

Are we measuring up to His standards

The men of scripture were a different bread of the men today. In the Old Testament, there were men like Able and Abraham. Including David, Joseph, and Moses. We can’t forget Sampson and his fall from grace. Trials, hardships, disappointments, and a variety of struggles followed these men but, in the end, their faith pulled them through. 

New Testament men had it just as hard, some even more physical suffering was included (except the ones who listened to what was required to follow Jesus and they said it was too hard and walked away; John 6:60). It goes without saying Jesus bore the most pain, suffering, humiliation and abuse than any other human. John The Baptist, Paul, Peter, Simon, and Bartholomew felt the brunt of the suffering.

They did not have lawyers, to protect their rights, police to keep them from harm, or an honest court system to show them justice. They were on their own if it were not for Jesus and His teachings.

What has happened to our men, their masculinity, power to stand up for what is Biblically right, the desire to protect their wives and children, and most importantly to stand up for the only true church Jesus founded for our benefit and salvation?

From what I see, after spending 20+ years of being involved in mission work in Mexico, with the Apache Indians, and a variety of other religious-related endeavors, many men have dropped the ball on their responsibilities.  Scripture states a man is supposed to work Gen. 2:15, be courageous Josh. 1:9, be strong 1 Cor. 2:15, love Matt. 22:37-39, be a husband Gen. 2:24, head of his wife Eph. 5:23-24, be compassionate 1 Peter 3:7, provide 1 Timothy 5:8, be accountable 1 Cor. 11:3, and be honorable Prov. 20:7 among other Godly traits. And most important Matt. 22:36-40 “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Currently, too many men are a poor reflection of who we profess to be and serve. However, before I present a list of some of the failings, we men have shown in this era I want to say that in many, or most, instances I belong on that list also. If it were not for the undeserved grace of God I would be condemned.

How do we fix our dilemma? Try admitting our failures and “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8. Then “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance,  Matthew 3:8, which will prove your desire to change.

What fruit do we need to bear? Whether you are in church or not don’t look and act like a sour puss, Christians should be the happiest and most joyous people on earth. Sing and honorably give God praise and glory when in fellowship or alone. Speak up and do the honorable thing when confronted with pressure or confrontation from those who condemn you for your faith, but do it in a Christ-like manner.

Stop being dishonest, I have seen Christian missionaries take a portion of funds that were marked to go to a mission project, don’t show favoritism, and call out false teachers by exposing their departure from the true gospel.  Be the spiritual leader in your home and don’t relegate that responsibility to your wife or someone else.

Men, stop being lazy or so busy you don’t have time to know what is happening around you, your family, and your community. Renew the fellowships you once had and be accountable to a brother. Pay attention to who and what your family and church are listening to and promoting then test that information to the truth in scripture (1 Thess. 5:21-23). If inappropriate, speak up, name names, display the biblical errors, and be the spiritual leader (in a Christ-like manner of course) God called you to be.  

A serious concern affecting not only males but also females is that we often do not “listen to understand, we listen to rebut” when we have opposing beliefs. We are so busy formulating information that will prove our point (even though it may be inaccurate) that we are immune to the truth the other person may be speaking. Remember; Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Again, I will say that I am a big offender of failing to do my part as prescribed in scripture and what God Calls me to do as the man he created and the one pledged to obey. With that said I look around our world (Christian and secular) and observe the failings that soil our lives and I try to compare myself, not for the objective of saying I am better, but to look to see how many of the failures I see in myself as I see in others. Then I strive to accept my responsibility for my actions, which I can’t blame on anyone else, I repent and strive to do the best I can to honor and obey my Lord and Savior that I owe so much but can never repay.

It’s time for Christian men to stand up and be the new creation we should be. How about you?