Man Up!
Funny that in the midst of the "love" chapter is this verse and the tail end that says, "When I became a man, I gave up childish ways" [ESV]. Yet, maybe it's just me, but I don't see that much, particularly in the American Church.
So I figure there are a couple of options or reasons why. 1) Men aren't in the church 2) Men aren't being reach, changed and transformed by Christ or 3) Men aren't acting like men. There's a little bit of truth in each one and for different reasons.
1) There aren't as many men in the church because most churches aren't geared for men. Our churches sing love songs about a beautiful, glorious man named Jesus. Face it, on the surface that sounds a little weird. Women (thank God for them) are serving in the nursery, teaching kids, doing crafts and planning events and men are often relegated to being an usher or if they're lucky, a Deacon (which means another meeting sometime during the month). Think about it, the American church generally doesn't take much risk, doesn't bring "fun" to mind when you think about it, isn't considered dangerous or bold, and talks a lot about a mission, but very often does nothing significant to accomplish it.
2) Men aren't being reached or transformed by Christ as much, almost as a direct result of the first point which is men aren't really in church. Men gather and grow around missions (military), shared experiences (hanging out) and competition (sports). The church doesn't really offer that, doesn't leverage that, and hopes men will come "check out the church" and then what? Become like most of the men inside it already? Passive, intellectuals who aren't challenged or changed.
3) There's a third category and that's men who are in the church aren't acting like men. They're still childish. They complain when things are too hard. They rebel against God's plans and desires (saying the religious rules are too restrictive). They just want to have fun and little responsibility. They don't want to teach others, and think because nobody has taught them how to be men of God, that they get a free pass on becoming one.
Look, men who follow Christ. When you become a man after God's own heart, it's time to put the childish ways behind you. To risk boldly, lead decisively and grow and disciple purposely. Come on men, Man up!
Created over 1 year ago
