As a 17 year old, I have had to learn a lot about what it means to be a real man. The hard part is that my biblical knowledge conflicted with what society was throwing at me. Society kept showing me men who were wealthy, promiscuous, womanizers, and usually alcoholics. Sure, it LOOKED like a good time, but many of them ended up shot, in jail, or broke. So I began to think of biblical examples of how a real man should be. Men like Jesus (duh), David, Moses, Joseph, Abraham, Daniel, and TONS more. The only problem is, guys my age have difficulty reading and understanding the Bible especially concerning how we are to live.
So what separates a Godly man from an un-Godly man? That's both a simple, and difficult question. Truth be told, a Godly man can and most likely will make the same mistakes that an un-Godly man would. But the difference is, that a Godly man KNOWS its a mistake, and he KNOWS to stop. Even in the days of Eden, Adam KNEW not to eat of the fruit. So what does a Godly man DO after he has made this "mistake"? Well if he is a TRULY Godly man, he asks forgiveness AND tries his BEST not to fall into that type of situation again. The hardest part about being a Christian is the whole "avoiding bad situations" thing. I tell you the truth, asking forgiveness is MUCH easier than avoiding evil. Especially today, with all the booty shaking, cleavage parading that goes on. Evil is at our fingertips EVERY time we get on a computer, turn on a TV or listen to the radio. Life is HARD.
So what does a Godly man do? He avoids evil. (See a theme yet?) In Psalms 119:9 it says, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to your will." The answer is in the Bible (obviously) but where? How about Proverbs 3, where the TITLE of the passage is "Guidance for the Young". Isn't it getting easier already? Obey the commandments and your life will be long and full of peace. That sounds pretty cut and dry to me. The answers are out there, they just have yet to be found. Until now.
This is my mission, my vision. Praise God.
Bradley Shea, I hope that your passion for this men's ministry will grow and others will join the cause. I will do anything I can to help you reach your mission and vision. Praise God for young men like you and I know the Church will grow because of your passion.
ReplyDeleteI've made the commitment that everyday this month (March) I am reading a chapter of Proverbs. The first verse of Chapter 4 starts "Hear, ye children, the instuction of a fther, and attend to know understanding". A Godly man seeks wisdom and prays for understanding. I'm blessed to have such a WISE nephew that isn't too prideful to learn from others.
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