A Man of God

“Do not live thinking of what you need to avoid, but instead live thinking of what you need to pursue.” - Someone cool probably said something similar, but for now it’s MINE.

I went to a Men’s Retreat last weekend and here is a little of what I learned, mostly based on this verse.

“So flee from these things you man of God and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, and take hold of eternal life to which you’ve been called.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12

I’m not sure I knew it, but I am called a man of God. I think I like that, just don’t call me a “grown up.” Here is where it starts, fleeing. Flee from sin that can rule your life and block every path on your pursuit. I know where it lies in my life and with His help we can turn away and be free of what is holding us back. Not just for now, but for good. Identify what is holding you back and call it what it is. Don’t make any excuses for it and blanket it in lies, but confess it as sin so that you may be forgiven. But it doesn’t end there, find someone to hold you to that promise, pick you up in times of defeat, and strengthen you in your pursuit. Keep your mind and heart on what you are living for, and what you want to be rid of will soon take care of itself.
Pursue righteousness, through the word. Scripture will speak on God’s behalf.
Pursue godliness through conduct 1 Peter 1:14-16 “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all that you do.”
Pursue faith, trust in Christ. This trust will grow as you make steps of faith and God works through you in your boldness and love. If you step out and are met by God that faith in you will create faith in others.
Pursue love. Not just love of Christ and the body of Christ, but love and affection for the unfound. It is easy to say that by being around Christians you absorb and also give out love, but nothing in this pursuit is attainable through that Osmosis. It takes more. You must absorb water from the source which requires proactive decisions to step out in your faith.
Persevere through your trials. Often we seek to put these trails out of our mind and avoid something that is unavoidable. Face it head on and you will be better for it. The last and sometimes the most difficult pursuit is gentleness. Usually associated with carrying a baby, holding a delicate feather, or nicely petting something fury right? Sometimes it is a difficult thing for men to portray. I was told a story of a young kid, now a man, who killed a possum and its babies. Admittedly, the story was sad and a bit unsettling, but it still evokes some humor. A lot of men have been in a similar situation and can’t help but laugh about how convicted you felt later. However, be gentle and don’t tell stories like this to a girl. It’s not funny to them, only sad, they will probably just cry. This is a silly example of gentleness, but I think a good example. It shows how easy it is to feel we are physically gentle and forget the emotional side.
My soul will follow, but my flesh is weak. It is my prayer that it be strong so when the time comes I will not fall, but proclaim His name. I will take hold of the life to which I’ve been called because He took hold of me first.
I desire to be a man of God. God calls me to be just that.

God Bless You