It's Fathers Day

This Sunday is Fathers Day.  If you read about its history, you will discover it wasn't easy to get this one on the books.  Mothers Day existed for 40 years before Fathers Day was ever accepted.

Some would like to devalue men and even demote them in the name of equality.  I can understand this.  Men for generations have been accused of being pig-headed, stubborn, and egotistical. (Yes, that's the short list.)  And while I agree that there is more than enough evidence to support these claims, I purpose that isn't the big problem.

Men have a problem that women have, too, sin.  The worst qualities about us come from either a lack of belief in God, or we don't care about Him.  (I think that it's more of the latter.)  When we live our lives untethered to any moral and ethical moorings, we are doomed to drift wherever life takes us.  We are the god of our lives (egotistical) and demand what we want when we want it (bullying).

But not all men are that way, and none of us have to be that way.  The reason I say this is due to the evidence I have seen.

I know men who are not the worst of our species.  They are men of unwavering faith and conviction who serve their families and communities with service and sacrifice.  They are not "wimps" but are some of the toughest men I know.  But what qualities do they pursue that man them the men of God that they are?

They submit to God with a humble heart.  They realize that they are not the masters of their universe and subsequently give their lives to the one who is.  Jesus Christ.   (2 Chron. 7:14)

They follow Him.  They lead their family as they follow Christ.  (Gal 1)

They love fiercely.  They are willing to sacrifice and give because they love so passionately and deeply.  (Eph 5)

They are committed to producing spiritual fruit from their lives.  Love, joy, peace, to name a few.
(Gal 5:22 - 23)

They are not lone wolves but seek to encourage others and be encouraged in a healthy community.
Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24–25)

Some may scoff at what I say.  But I would tell you that it takes more guts to be a follower of Jesus than to be an "average" guy who is just like everyone else.  God created you to be different, to stand out, to be His man.  Not to blend in and fit in with what everyone one else is doing.

PRAY:  Dear Jesus, help me to be the man of God; I am supposed to be.  AMEN