A "Nice" Man

And then, alas, there is the church. Christianity, as it currently exists, has done some terrible things to men. When all is said and done, I think most men in the church believe that God put them on the earth to be a good boy. The problem with men, we are told, is that they don’t know how to keep their promises, be spiritual leaders, talk to their wives, or raise their children. But, if they will try real hard they can reach the lofty summit of becoming . . . a nice guy. That’s what we hold up as models of Christian maturity: Really Nice Guys. We don’t smoke, drink, or swear; that’s what makes us men. Now let me ask my male readers: In all your boyhood dreams growing up, did you ever dream of becoming a Nice Guy? (Ladies, was the Prince of your dreams dashing . . . or merely nice?)

Really now—do I overstate my case? Walk into most churches in America, have a look around, and ask yourself this question: What is a Christian man? Don’t listen to what is said, look at what you find there. There is no doubt about it. You’d have to admit a Christian man is . . . bored. At a recent church retreat I was talking with a guy in his fifties, listening really, about his own journey as a man. “I’ve pretty much tried for the last twenty years to be a good man as the church defines it.” Intrigued, I asked him to say what he thought that was. He paused for a long moment. “Dutiful,” he said. “And separated from his heart.” A perfect description, I thought. Sadly right on the mark.

(Wild at Heart , 7) John Eldredge

WE CAN!

In 2 Corinthians 9 It talks about Titus a young apostle that is working for the church all over the world. in verses 16-17 it says, "I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative." So Titus is helping the CHURCH- not just one but the whole church and in this particular matter he is going the the church in Corinth to help collect an offering ON HIS OWN INITIATIVE!

This hit me...Titus was not sent but he saw a need and acted on it with enthusiasm because he loved God and the Church (God's Body) he served.

So What?
How many times do we see a need in our church and community and assume that someone else is going to take charge. But what would happen if we took it upon ourselves and made our initiative to do God's work in the CHURCH without being asked. How many times does God ask you to do something and then you do it? How much more could we move God's heart if we started to take initiative and not have to be asked to change this world. The opportunity is in front of us all- do you except?

What has God been doing in your life? Let your Fusion Family know what is going on!
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