What does it mean to be a man?  What function do we play in society?  What is our job in our own households?  I don’t know about you, but not only did I fail to receive this instruction, I am hard pressed to find many examples to follow in society today.    As we search for role models and examples to look up to, we have to realize that God is not calling us to be like the world, but to be ambassadors of his kingdom.  “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom 12:2 NKJV).   There is nothing wrong with being interested and involved in sports, hunting, BBQ grills, and other men’s activities, but if we wrap up our identity in these activities, we will never be separate from the traditional model that has ultimately left us empty inside.  So what is the answer?  How do we answer all of these questions that men have every day?

1) Acknowledge that God is the only source for our identity. (Matt 23:9-10)

The reason parents are so vital, is that they are prophets of God to their children.  Even if one parent is not in a person’s life is unfortunate, but what God has spoken about their lives has not changed.  If we trust in people to define our callings, gifting, and identity we risk missing the plan of God for our lives.  Even if it comes through the leaders and people around us, it has to come from God.  Anything of your identity in Jesus is false and will lead to emptiness.

2) Realize that there is more to being a “man” than what the world has to offer.

If sports, food, and working on the car were enough to sustain men then we would never need Jesus.  We have all been at the place where we realized that the way we had been living our lives led to nowhere.  Why should it surprise us that any definition we obtained from the world would be faulty.  The definition for what constitutes a man is no different.  God says a man is one who follows Him and submits to His authority.  He is a prayer warrior who is not afraid to get rid of his pride.

3) Commit to reading the Word and praying.

Because we have failed to understand our identity in Christ Jesus, we have fallen victim to every plan of the enemy for our lives.  We must be in the word so that when something crosses our paths that does not line up with what God has spoken we will know it and be ready to come against it. 

4) Register for Answer the Call ’08.

I believe that there will be such an impartation of the identity of God into the men of this house that it will be a huge mistake to miss it.  If you have not registered, do it today.  You do not want to miss what God is going to do to you and through you to impact your family!  See you there!

Blessings,

Dan Mendoza