So where do we start?
Posted By Mike on November 5, 2006
I think the title says it all. Where do we start? Where do we start the journey to becoming the men God designed and desires us to be? Do we begin with defining manhood? Do we start with God’s design of and for man? Maybe we just jump in and begin addressing issues men face in today’s culture?
I’m not sure I really know – so, I’m going to take a shot at it. I think we begin with a relationship. Yep, relationship. I believe every man was created to experience a relationship with God. Early on God was in relationship with man – the first man, Adam. In Genesis 3:8 we find God strolling through the garden with Adam. Now I find it hard to believe this was the first time God took a walk in the park with Adam. After all, He gave Adam explicit instructions about what he could and what he couldn’t do.
But Adam screwed everything up – not like we haven’t, eh? And because of his sin, God – Holy God – could no longer be in a relationship with man. The cool thing is that He still longed to have a relationship with every man, so He created a way – He gave us Jesus. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we – you and I – are now able to have a personal relationship with God.
So. . .yeah, I think it all begins with a personal relationship with God. But it doesn’t end there. As men, we must cultivate that relationship. We must work at getting to know God. Not knowing Him like I know President Bush – I know of him, but I don’t REALLY know him, but knowing God intimately – don’t be afraid of this word, men. We need to get to know him better than we know our wives or girlfriends – for some of us, that’s not saying much. We need to get to Him better than our best friend – now that could be saying a lot. Actually, we need to get to know God better than our favorite hunting or fishing spot, favorite slope, favorite team, favorite restaurant, favorite - you fill in the blank. We need to experience God!
I also think it’s important that our children know how important our relationship with God is. We tell them we’re saved and want them to have a relationship with Him one day, as well. But have you ever told your children how you came to have a personal relationship with the Lord? Do they know when and where you were? How old you were? Who introduced you to Jesus? I was 42 years old before I heard how my father came to a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s not that he didn’t want to tell me – as a matter of fact, when I asked, he jumped at the chance. It was wonderful and very exciting for me to hear his personal testimony. Guys, don’t wait that long to share with your children your personal testimony.
And if you don’t have a personal testimony click here to go to an interactive presentation that will explain why and how you can have a personal relationship with God, through Jesus, and begin the process of becoming the man God designed and desires you to become.
Mike
aha! Now I see what you are talking about Sunday afternoon. Good start and good words to remember for everyone. Praying for you.