Real men live blessed lives

A pastor of a non-denominational church recently asked me to help launch its men's ministry. I accepted the invitation, not only because I'm a changed man with firsthand knowledge of some of the greatest challenges and sins that so easily beset young and old(er) men, but also because I see a need to share my understanding of what it might mean to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Especially because I'm a man still under construction, my daughters' blessing and encouragement really moved and motivated me, as well.

At the pastor's request, I made a short presentation about the men's ministry while attending a church meeting last Wednesday night. While speaking, I used Psalm 112 to introduce the powerful idea that a "real" man is a "blessed" man who wholeheartedly aspires (and perspires in a noble and sustained effort) to live a deeply meaningful and magnificent life that is attractive, appealing, craved, and coveted for all the right reasons. Thus, for example, we noted that a man's life is blessed when...

1. he takes delight in right and not might (Psalm 112:1)
2. he is a home builder rather than a home wrecker (Psalm 112:2)
3. he knows how to prosper and profit without losing his soul (Psalm 112:3)
4. he is a light in dark places – part of the solution rather than the problem (Psalm 112:4)
5. he gives the best of himself and good comes back to him (Psalm 112:5)
6. he is stable, not only because of his finances, but because of his moral and spiritual focus (Psalm 112:6)
7. through it all, he has learned how to trust in God (Psalm 112:7)
8. his self-assurance comes from the blessed assurance that he is more than a conqueror (Psalm 112:8)
9. he is known more for how much he cares about those in need than the status he has achieved or the wealth he has accumulated (Psalm 112:9)
10. he is envied for all the right reasons (Psalm 112:10)

Of course, this outline only touches on the subject matter the men's ministry will cover. I assure you that no relevant stone will be left unturned. We will address everything from misogyny and misguided notions of manhood to how men can express their inner passions in healthy and constructive ways and perhaps drastically improve their parenting skills along the way.

If I have any say in the matter -- and, at this point, I do -- then we will not merely reinforce patriarchy by limiting discussions to shallow exchanges about money, muscles, and the women and children in our lives, but also do the much more important and intense work of learning to truly view and do unto all other human beings just as we would have them do unto us.

As saints of ol' would say, "Pray our strength in the Lord" and feel free to make suggestions or comments regarding these matters because we'll definitely need all the insight, help, and support we can get. ;-)

iAMrj * richard jones