These are words that I have heard a million times over as a young man. As a matter of fact, there isn't a man that hasn't heard this at least one time in their life. Over time, the identity of "men" has changed due to societies take on the responsibilities of men and women having a significant place in the workforce today. When women became part of the workforce, some men I am sure felt a little insecure or even attacked by that move. Woman today as just as important today as men are today in the workforce, at home and in society itself.
But the side-effect of that is that men have lost themselves and who they are because of such changes. As a young boy, I was raised with my sister by a single father most of our childhood. Our dad was our world. I saw how much he sacrificed for me and my sister. My greatest and best childhood memories are living with my dad as a young boy. Now, my father is not a "believer," but he certainly instilled "biblical morals and principles" to me and my sister. He was a typing shadow of the Old Testament men of the Bible. He was willing, able and ready to defend his family and friends at a monents notice. He worked hard to provide, sought out ways to teach his kids and was a strong disciplinarian.
The men of the Old Testament have always fascinated me to a great extent. These men were nothing but farmers, carpenters and mason's. But in their greatest moments of strength or weakness, they relied not on themselves, but on the Heavenly Father. Alot of them made some mistakes along the way, but the truth is that they knew that God was there to guide them. All men of the Old Testament were warriors and soldiers. They fought battles for years upon end, and returned home to the wife and kids. The women were charged for taking the "reigns" while the men were off fighting. Have you ever noticed that women took the "reigns" while men went into battle everytime? From the dawn of time and even today with the War in Iraq and Afghanistan women have fulfilled the call on their lives. That is an amazing testimony to how God works and gives strength to those who need it during difficult times. But the times have changed. Men go off to battle in many different ways these days. We work, play ball with the kids and sleep, leaving all of the decisions to the wife to make. The Old Testament men were head of their household, made all of the decisions, and still provided for his family during times difficult times. Abraham is a good example of the "Old Testament Man." He was a tent maker that was called by God to lead his people to the land of Caanan. Abraham was called "the father of a multitude" meaning that he waas going to be an example of what Godly mean should be like. But, like most men, Abraham made a few mistakes along the way. Even though he made those errors, he never lost sight of his responsibility and love for God. He is probably the best example of a Godly man that went to work, went off to war, tested by God and was counted by God "unto righteousness."
The men of today are so consumed with the things of this world, that we have lost sight of what God has called us to be and to do. Today, most men don't even recognize that we are truly the "head of the household." As men, we are to discuss with our wives anything that could arise under his "authority." Now, you may find it disturbing or even insulting that a single man is discussing the things or giving advice to the "married people." NOT TRUE AT ALL!!! I have the ability and honor of seeing some great marriages through family and friends. But, I also have to prepare myself for the time when God calls me to be a husband and father to a family. By studying His Word and seeking advice of Godly counsel, I can try and act on the things of God and what He has called me to be. Being financially stable is great, having a Godly woman as a wife is even better and knowing the foundation that Christ has given us is the key to all marriages. Men throw that verse "wives, submit to your husbands" so many different ways, that many men are single because of that thought. The truth is this. When Paul is talking about being "submitted" , he is saying that we are first and foremost to be submitted to Christ who is the example of how He loved, adorned and presented the Church to the Father without spot or blemish. The Blood of Jesus washed the "true church" of any issues. What is the "true church?" That's for another day. But back to what I was saying... Men, when are we going to see and do what God has called each and everyone of us to do. "Well Jeremy, I work alot of hours and I come home to a house of screaming kids, a nagging wife and a pile of bills. You just don't understand!"
"Your right, I don't!" I have none of those things that you have mentioned." But be an example to me and other men of how you put your faith and trust in God to evercome those things. To guide your family not only through the good times, but even more so through the bad times. Encourage us single men in relying on God and not of the things of this world. Call us out if you see something that may harm us in our lives. I have a great brother in Christ, Chad who has no problem calling me out on alot of things. He is a great man of God, great source of encouragement and a good example of a Godly husband. A couple of years ago, I did something that I thought was okay to do. But, in a loving manner, he called me out on it. He didn't do it out of hate or spite for what I did. He did it, because he thought that it could be a stumbling block to myself. Chad is one of few people that I can count on one hand that can do that to me and I wouldn't take it in a bad way. But, most men wouldn't have done what he did. Most men would have said, "I wanna see more." Chad was watching out for me and encouraging me not to go down a path that could lead me into a much "deeper and darker place." This is an example of "Godly men." On the Day of Pentecost, men were empowered by God, through Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection and baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit to go out and fulfill the call on everyone of their lives.
The men of those days had such a boldness and a fire for God, that most of them died in proclaiming the Gospel. These men did nothing but taught, spoke and preached what Christ had revealed to them. In times of great struggle, they "encouraged those" that needed it most. They were not moved by the "wars of this world" and walked in the God-given authority that they received through Christ. That is the power of God. That is how we should be today.
Men, I just want to encourage you today to seek after the things of God. Don't let these things of the world beat you down or try and overtake you by force. Be strong, run the race, endure the persecution, but always keep the faith. Lean on God, take back what God has already given you. Proclaim the victory that Christ has given you already during the battles. Most of all do this....
Praise God in All things...
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