13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
English Standard Version (ESV)
For many of us, whether you believe this statement or not, our salvation began on the cross where Jesus Christ was crucified. We are called by him as his own. We are bought at a price and we are called to not just attend a church, tithe, and sit back and watch the entertainment, checking the faith block while watching the proverbial church of Christ move on by. We are not called to simply go about our careers, support our families financially then lose ourselves mentally and physically in our hobbies, sports or other outlets both positive and destructive. We are also not called to delegate our role as spiritual leader of the home and family to our wives, regardless of how strong a women she is. In fact, a strong wife is a blessing and a calling for us as men to step it up and take it to the next level.
We are called to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ. He gave us the road map in Matthew 22: “37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Hebrews Chapter 5 and 6 give us the outcome of this road map in that all of us should know the basic elementary teachings about Christ and we all should be teachers but instead a lot of us are still on milk and not meat. Some of us need to be taught instead of teaching. The goal is to move from milk to meat. In doing so, we know that we will be trained, challenged and called to move outside our comfort zones in order to distinguish good from evil. This is being watchful and standing firm in the faith so that we can act like men (men of God) and we can be strong in the faith and the spiritual leaders in our homes and churches.
What does this look like in a healthy walk – for a man of God? First we have to love the Lord our God 1) with all of our heart – we need to build a relationship with Him (read about Him and get to know Him. Pray to Him 2) with all of our soul - Listen to His Spirit that he has given us so that we don’t have to do this alone. 3) with all your mind – turn your eyes on Him, give him your heart today and your time, talent and treasure 4) with all your strength – train yourself in righteousness (we need accountability – we need brothers to walk with and to confess our sins with) 5) Love your neighbor as yourself – this is hard for many reasons (not going to get into this on this post) but the statement stands alone. 1 John 4:20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot[a] love God whom he has not seen.”
We are calling and challenging men to step up and act like men. Where is the modern day David, Paul and Leonidas of our modern world? They are among us, some are waiting for the time and opportunity to step up, make a commitment and chose to live 110%, 500 Horsepower, all barrels firing for God and Family.
Look around. What's so desperately needed where we live, in our country and in our world, are men who embrace all God created them to be; men who are loud and ruthless about their own sin, but patient and full of grace in leading others; men who long to follow God without limits and meet the needs of those around them without hesitation.
To get there we need radical surgery. It's time to cut deep and get it all, and not be afraid of what that means. Legacy Dad invites you to join us for the Act Like Men Conference, a two-day event this fall with a challenge straight from God’s word for men to be all we were created to be—to step up and Act Like Men. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” — 1 Cor. 16:13-14
This fall the Act Like Men Conference will visit three cities to encourage men to follow God with obedience, lead others with grace, wage war on their own sin, and eagerly minister to needs around them. Speakers include Matt Chandler, Mark Driscoll, Greg Laurie, James MacDonald, and Eric Mason with LeCrae and the Vertical Church Band leading worship. The Legacy Dads will be one hand, in attendance and in the sponsor’s section for the Indianapolis event, we would love you to join us or stop by and say hi.
- Oct 4-5 :: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Oct 18-19 :: Long Beach, California, USA
- Nov 8-9 :: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA – The Legacy Dad’s will attend this one!
You can get all the details and sign up at - www.actlikemen.com
- Lance and Dante