You know, there's a lack in the church today. There are not enough men that are strong leaders, faithful followers, and disciples discipling others. You see women getting involved in prayer groups, fellowships, Sunday school, etc. so much more often than men, and I don't think it's just because these women are stay-at-home moms."As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
Proverbs 27:17
I know that, in my life, I need a blacksmith. What I mean is, I am SO appreciative of the older men that have come along side me to help me grow and change into the man of God that He wants me to be. Without that, I would not have grown as much. This is something that seems to me to be inherent in the lives of the men around me, too - we need that sharpening. We need other men to come around us, hammer us a bit in love, and invest real time and effort into us.
My question is - are we willing to do that for each other? Shaping metal takes time, patience, and a lot of hard, hot, dangerous work. The same can be said for helping a man grow and change. It's what we are called to do (Matthew 28:18-20), but are we replacing that with just sharing a sermon on Sunday and having a monthly, manly get-together over some greasy food?
A lone soldier is a dead solder. The Christian life is a battle for the kingdom of God, our families, and our souls. Let's get in there, get messy, and do the work of the ministry.
Amen! love this post David, Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHe will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver;
He will purify the sons of Levi,
And purge them as gold and silver,
That they may offer to the Lord
An offering in righteousness.-Malachi 3:3
Hi David
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for your wedding , I want a favourf rom you david , i am seraching for my wife in ukraine , can u help me with it i wish to marry a ukrainian girl , pls reply to me at rajulsaxena1@gmail.com
Thank you very much, Rajul! :D I'm sorry, man - I'm a missionary, and I don't really do that kind of thing. My suggestion is that, if you really want to marry a Ukrainian girl, come and live here for 5-10 years. The culture here is very different from other places in the world, and that should be a HUGE consideration for you. If you don't like the culture after that much time, I would say you should look for another option. I'm so happy with my fiance, Katya - she and I share a passion for God, our church, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ so much... That's why I'm marrying her. Many people just want to marry a Ukrainian because they are beautiful, but Katya isn't a typical Ukrainian girl. Most of them go around in fancy clothes and makeup all of the time, but Katya likes to just wear a t-shirt and jeans. She has natural beauty, and doesn't usually wear makeup except for EXTREMELY special occasions. I really found a special girl here - she has beauty that is more than just on the outside. She is beautiful on the inside, and that is rare here.
DeleteWhat I would even MORE encourage you to do is to find a woman from your own country and your own culture. She will understand you better, and you will have MUCH less to work out after the wedding. I hope that helps you.
God bless!