Men need vision.
The Bible says, in Proverbs 29:18 – When there is no vision the people perish.
Jesus had a vision. He called it the kingdom of God. It was huge. It involved nothing less than a re-creation of the world, one person at a time. And we are His partners in this task. This vision was the focus of His entire life. Everything about His life was tied up in this vision. It was the reason He lived and died.
Unfortunately for the modern church, men don’t have a vision of what God is doing in His church. Church then becomes a club instead of a cause where we try to improve ourselves morally or keep ourselves busy. We must see the significance of the tasks we are given to do. The state of this country and this world depends upon the smallest prayer that we say! So I believe it is time for men
Men need purpose.
Most guys don’t know what the purpose of the church is. That’s because most churches have not agreed on what their specific purpose is. What is our mission statement? Neh. 4:6 For the people had a mind to work”. A study of Shell Oil employees shows that people who retire at age 55 and live to be at least 65 die sooner than people who retire at 65. After age 65, the early retirees have a 37% higher risk of death than counterparts that retired at 65.
That’s not all. People who retire at 55 are 89% more likely to die in the 10 years after retirement than those who retire at 65. This study shows what happens to men (and women) when they no longer have a purpose they are working towards. If you want to be a Real Man, you will have PURPOSE.
Men need high standards.
Many people think the church asks too much of its members. In reality it asks too little. A study by Thom Rainer of two thousand churches showed that without exception the churches that attracted unchurched people were high expectation churches. He said, “People have no desire to be part of something that makes no difference, that expects little.”
We have to ask confidently for a big commitment. Jesus always asked for a commitment clearly and confidently. He was not at all reluctant to ask men and women to drop everything and follow him. People do not resent being asked for a big commitment if there is a great purpose behind it.
“Most often, we draw back from challenging men to greater commitment, assuming they are just lazy! We then wonder why men have so little respect for the church—even as we presume so little respect for them.” Matt. 16:24-25 – Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. If you want to be a Real Man, you will have high standards.
The Calling
Today I am calling every man of God that reads this blog to be the man and the leader that God wants you to be. I am setting the standard high today, even for myself. God wants us to excel spiritually in every area of life. God wants you and me to be the best husband, the best son, the father, the best teacher. Eph. 5-6
Are you in? Will you show yourself a man?
© 2016 MANLY TRAINING
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Chad Gramling
Andy Specht
Eduardo Quintana
Tyler Jacobson