If we take a simplified look at life, at the great adventure we all would like to have - we would be wise to be aware of and to avoid the obstacles that may trip us up. For example, Robert Lewis shared: Wrongheadedness (ignorance, pride, stubbornness, foolishness) slows us down and Wrongdoing (what could be called our sins of omission and our sins of commission) holds us back. As we took a few minutes to discuss and to understand how "The Double Life" can trip us up on our life's pursuits. For example: Do we want a life that is dysfunctional? (unstable and in conflict) = a shallow marriage. = children who are wounded. = no direction or cause for our life. = Spiritual judgement. Or do we want a life that is functional? (stable and consistent) = a marriage that is intimate and has trust. = children who are of good character. = a Noble Cause is enhanced. = Spiritual blessing. We also learned that men often make the mistake of pursuing sexual shortcuts . That sex is a gift from God for us, that it is a union of souls and bodies and that it has boundaries (we as men can make sex a stumbling block to our great adventure). | For your reference are these Bible verses that went along with our discussion points for this session. Old Testament wisdom: Prov. 29:19 "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." New Testament wisdom: Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” James 1:8 "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways." We also have our Decide 2 Be challenge to keep in mind (as follows): |
Everything comes back to our REAL Men challenge. Because real men:
- have Real Conclusions (as to life) and Written Convictions (the values and goals to pursue).
- have Friends who they are Accountable To (honest mirrors to tell us the right and wrong in our life).
We also discussed why men falter (and if you are interested, use our Contact Form and we'll share the rest of the story with you). Thank you for reading and considering all the above and don't forget these words. . .
"With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng." (Proverbs 7:21-26)
And please do not forget - the above is all just the tip of the iceberg as to the good information covered and discussed at our weekly Men's Fraternity meetings held Tuesday mornings (at the Cross Lake Log Church). It is never too late to come and join us or if you are not in our area, let us know and we'll help you or men in your area to get started with the Men's Fraternity program. Because stepping up and being men of courage to do what is needed for themselves, for their families and for their friends - is never the wrong thing to do.