Report From Boot Camp #2

Christianity is more than forgiveness. It is strength and masculinity - given by God. Genesis 1:1 introduces a strong god who created the heavens and the earth. Exodus 15:3 tells us that “The LORD is a warrior.” Yet which man reminds you more of men in church: William Wallace, as portrayed in Braveheart, or Mister Rogers? Most of us go through our church experience as Mister Rogers, when there is a William Wallace within us. The world has emasculated most men, but our core desires do not go away. They simply go underground and manifest themselves in some unhealthy way. And men become "posers". They pose as someone else in situations in which they feel threatened. Or they hide behind their title. And this is most of the time. Go to a dinner party and you will know what I mean. “Oh, I am a (fill in the blank) and am responsible for…blah blah blah.” Why can we not find our identity in Christ?

Why don’t we get what Jesus came to do? He came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). He came to preach Good News to the poor…to proclaim the captives will be released…that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors (Luke 4:18-19). We have lost our heart. It is the mission of Christ to restore and release us. The heart is not emotions and feelings, but the wellspring of life within us. The place that holds desire, belief, worship, faith, hope, love – the man inside – the core of the soul.

We have been wounded in our hearts. I thought that it was interesting that Eldredge said that he had never met a man that had not been wounded. Some wounds are obvious, others are not. Boys need to know that they have what it takes to be a man. Eldredge related a story about one of his sons in which he and his boys were wrestling. He casually told one of the boys that he was a wild man out there. Later in the day this son asked him if he really thought he was a wild man. It stuck with him. His dad had told him that he had what it takes to be a man. All boys need this validation from their dads. The father gives his son delight. “I love being with you.” “You have what it takes.” “You are the apple of my eye.” Notice that God did this to his son in Mark 1:11 just after Jesus’ baptism: “You are my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with you.” We have to entrust them with things, invite them into the fellowship of men, spend time with them, and teach them how to fight. As fathers we must pursue the hearts of our children, giving them freedom and life. Little girls dance between their daddies and the television, essentially asking, “Do you see me, Daddy?” We need to see them and validate them, because if we do not, there is a man (or men) out there who will. Physical affection is crucial for both boys and girls. They need to know that we believe their hearts matter. It’s one thing to be told that you have what it takes. It’s another to experience it. We will inevitably wound our children. The severity depends on us, and we must seek their forgiveness. Admit your failures - don’t try to defend yourself or explain things. Do this for their heart.

So, how does God view me? Psalm 139 says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Romans 6 says I have died to sin. Colossians 2 tells me that I am alive. Ephesians 4 calls me a new man. Hebrews 10 says I have been made perfect forever. Romans 15 says I am loved and accepted. He is saying that I have what it takes.

Pretty cool.