this may not be a very manly confession, but i have to admit it, i love watching the TLC network. specifically the shows like "trading spaces" where they're remodeling homes or rooms or landscaping, etc. my redemption in all of this is that i only really watch these shows in the waiting room of our family doctor's office, so it's not a regular occurrence (thankfully). but when i first walk into the crowded waiting room (usually packed with women) i'll try to position myself like these shows have no appeal to me, but it only takes a few seconds and i'm sucked into the remodeling process. it's fascinating to watch a house or room transform as they rip it apart and creatively build and decorate to give it a new fresh look or purpose.
i've been thinking about remodeling. and thinking about closets.
at first, we would define the purpose of closets as "storage". but if we're honest, we would have to admit that closets usually become a place for HIDING.
so i'm not thinking about calling in a construction crew (we rent, so it's not an option). i'm more thinking of my heart. and the hearts of men who want to be like Christ in general. we hide our junk in closets...both physically in our homes and spiritually in our hearts. and therein lies the problem for believers. especially young men who want to be fully devoted followers of Christ. does He have ALL of you? do you have closets in your life? things you're desperately trying to hide?
let me get real specific here with guys: we are in real danger if we cram sexual sin into the dark corner closets of our hearts. sexual sin is especially dangerous for christian men because:
1. our culture is saturated in sex and sexual images
2. and the Devil knows it
3. our sinful nature craves and lusts after sexual images and perversion
4. and the Devil knows it
5. we're ashamed of our sexual lusts and sin
6. and the Devil knows it
7. we are too proud and afraid to expose our dark closets to the light of Truth
8. and the Devil knows it
...and so we stuff our sin and shame away and lock the door to the closets of our hearts because we think we can somehow hide it with no consequences.
but if you're a believer with junk in your closet that you refuse to confess and deal with...then guilt will eat you alive and make you miserable OR you will sear your conscience and become calloused to the Spirit's work in your heart (that kind of living paul says belongs to your former manner of life...look @ Ephesians 4:17-24). and he makes it really clear that "sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as it proper among saints" (Eph. 5:3).
the conclusion: "walk as children of light" (Eph. 5:8 & 1 John 1:5-9). or in the case of this discussion, turn the light on in the closet...and rip the door off its hinges. don't let it be a closet! remodel it.
whatever it is that you don't want anyone to see...that's the stuff to shed light on! what's it going to take for you to allow the Holy Spirit to clean house? who do you need to talk to? (good tip: deal with sin with those it has affected) how do you plan on remodeling your life so that you don't allow yourself to stuff junk into dark closets? who's going to help you keep the closet doors open or ripped off their hinges altogether? (good tip: Romans 13:14 says, "make no provision for the flesh"...or in other words, don't give yourself an opportunity to blow it! disciplines, boundaries and accountability are good for this)
confess to Him. open it ALL up to Him. and praise God that He's in the business of remodeling and cleaning! read Psalm 51...and let God go to work! there's is such freedom in forgiveness!!
if you want further inspiration, i found "the hall closet" section of this booklet helpful: My Heart Christ's Home
can you imagine how God will use a generation of young men who walk in the light...men who have remodeled their closets?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
allowing opportunities for sexual sin = sin
great discussion from dr. albert mohler inspired by a recent study suggesting that men are more likely to have an affair when the opportunity is available...duh! how should God-honoring men respond to this?
listen here: albertmohler.com
listen here: albertmohler.com
all pro dads
had the chance to speak to about 20+ dads and their kids this morning at the "all pro dads" chapter @ north montgomery high school. seems like a great organization that at least is trying to raise awareness of the importance of being a dad and providing opportunities for dads to be just that...dads. once a month they bring their kids to the school early for a breakfast where they enjoy time together, talk about why their proud of their kids and are challenged with a topic of character.
i was encouraged.
being a dad is an incredible privilege and responsibility, and i'm all for organizations striving to strengthen men in that role in our society!
it was also fun to listen to dads stand up and give a reason they're proud of their kid(s). seems like a good exercise that focuses on the positive and allows their children to hear words of affirmation from their dad. good stuff!
may not be huge, but i'm impressed so far with the organization's efforts...and of course it helps that tony dungy's the leading spokesman! they've also got a daily challenge you can receive. check it all out: allprodad.com
i was encouraged.
being a dad is an incredible privilege and responsibility, and i'm all for organizations striving to strengthen men in that role in our society!
it was also fun to listen to dads stand up and give a reason they're proud of their kid(s). seems like a good exercise that focuses on the positive and allows their children to hear words of affirmation from their dad. good stuff!
may not be huge, but i'm impressed so far with the organization's efforts...and of course it helps that tony dungy's the leading spokesman! they've also got a daily challenge you can receive. check it all out: allprodad.com
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
when's it official?
struggling with this question: "when does a boy become a man?"
it's a cultural question, so how does our culture answer it? is it an age? is it an event? is it measurable? provable?
unfortunately i believe it is a question that has not been asked with enough intensity or urgency. therefore our culture's silence on the issue strikes confusion into the hearts of young men across our nation.
it's time we begin screaming the question for our generation and the next. and it's time we turn to our Creator for insight.
it's a cultural question, so how does our culture answer it? is it an age? is it an event? is it measurable? provable?
unfortunately i believe it is a question that has not been asked with enough intensity or urgency. therefore our culture's silence on the issue strikes confusion into the hearts of young men across our nation.
it's time we begin screaming the question for our generation and the next. and it's time we turn to our Creator for insight.
Monday, November 2, 2009
to become a man...i need HELP!
my thoughts are forming with resources that would truly be helpful to young men desiring to become men of God.
there are a number of solid, Biblical and helpful books written for men on how to be a Godly man. and i'm merely a student who could only add comments and questions to what these Godly authors have already written. but i have yet to find solid resources that really focus on helping young men or boys in the PROCESS of becoming a man. to brave the waters and navigate the rapids during those formative and confusing years of BECOMING a man. (i'm sure there are resources and voices out there to help, but they seem to be few and far between...or maybe their just not relevant, pragmatic or loud enough)
because of the cultural concept of "adolescent" (which is such a fluid concept anyway), it's hard for young men to know if they've reached the stage of "Man" or if they're still considered a "young man". what's the difference? is there a difference? are there different expectations? different responsibilities?
without communicating it, young men will face questions like...
when do i really become a man?
what are fair expectations of me?
what will i have to face to become a man?
what choices will i have to make?
how do i make those choices?
who can i trust to help me make those choices?
who will clean up my messes (mistakes)?
i've been sensing a growing passion in my heart to help young men face this awesome stage of life...probably because it has been so crucial in my own story. i'm praying for God's direction and HIS help in my own life, and i pray the same as i seek to encourage guys as they face their own adventures into the unknown.
one thing's for sure: to become a man...i need HELP!
there are a number of solid, Biblical and helpful books written for men on how to be a Godly man. and i'm merely a student who could only add comments and questions to what these Godly authors have already written. but i have yet to find solid resources that really focus on helping young men or boys in the PROCESS of becoming a man. to brave the waters and navigate the rapids during those formative and confusing years of BECOMING a man. (i'm sure there are resources and voices out there to help, but they seem to be few and far between...or maybe their just not relevant, pragmatic or loud enough)
because of the cultural concept of "adolescent" (which is such a fluid concept anyway), it's hard for young men to know if they've reached the stage of "Man" or if they're still considered a "young man". what's the difference? is there a difference? are there different expectations? different responsibilities?
without communicating it, young men will face questions like...
when do i really become a man?
what are fair expectations of me?
what will i have to face to become a man?
what choices will i have to make?
how do i make those choices?
who can i trust to help me make those choices?
who will clean up my messes (mistakes)?
i've been sensing a growing passion in my heart to help young men face this awesome stage of life...probably because it has been so crucial in my own story. i'm praying for God's direction and HIS help in my own life, and i pray the same as i seek to encourage guys as they face their own adventures into the unknown.
one thing's for sure: to become a man...i need HELP!
Monday, August 31, 2009
is church for sissies?
a relatively new topic that seems to be gaining steam...has the church become too girly for men?
got some great insights from a friend: Matt Frey's Blog
got some great insights from a friend: Matt Frey's Blog
Saturday, August 22, 2009
summarizing the challenges young men face today
worked further on the challenges that young men face in our culture today. summarized into this thesis:
young men in our culture have a weak foundation or no foundation at all that allows them to be discerning and wise.
the problem summed up into one word: CONFUSION.
the 3 areas in the last post could be categorized under this confusion. young men in our culture are confused about:
1. IDENTITY
2. PURITY
3. AUTHORITY
the last of these challenges is ultimately the reason for all the confusion, as i already explained in the last post...because there is no emphasis on the authority of God's Word young men will be progressively more confused over issues of identity, purity, authority and more...
and therefore they have a weak foundation or no foundation at all for being discerning and wise!
young men in our culture have a weak foundation or no foundation at all that allows them to be discerning and wise.
the problem summed up into one word: CONFUSION.
the 3 areas in the last post could be categorized under this confusion. young men in our culture are confused about:
1. IDENTITY
2. PURITY
3. AUTHORITY
the last of these challenges is ultimately the reason for all the confusion, as i already explained in the last post...because there is no emphasis on the authority of God's Word young men will be progressively more confused over issues of identity, purity, authority and more...
and therefore they have a weak foundation or no foundation at all for being discerning and wise!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
challenges young men face in our culture today
speaking at a men's breakfast at our church on saturday morning @ the challenges that youth face today and how they can help them.
interesting topic that could be extremely broad...so i think i'll choose to focus primarily on young men. what are the challenges that young men face today in our culture and how can the older men of our churches reach out and help?
so let me attempt to summarize the biggest challenges young men (specifically teenagers) face in our culture today:
1. IDENTITY :: a multifaceted challenge, but probably can all be tied to the confusion of a man's role in society...which specifically has led to the muddied understandings about work and relationships.
let me expound for a minute on what i'm trying to communicate here:
a. work. simply stated, guys don't know how to work hard because our culture has taught us to look for the greatest return for the least amount of work. not that we had to learn it from our culture...our culture has just played to our immature and selfish tendencies and given us the green light to act upon them and align our expectations with them. as a result we've lost an appreciation for the Law of Sowing & Reaping (that you will reap what you sow). in fact, it's often seen in an individual's mindset that it is totally unfair that he would ever have to experience consequences for his actions. we have a gimme mindset that's offended by those who would require us to work for it. (i see a similar attitude in "junior" who throws a tantrum when he doesn't get what he wants or when he's forced into "time out" when he goes against what he's told) as a result, our culture is experiencing an identity crises because we have men acting like little boys, which is also complicated by...
b. relationships. call it what you want ("feminism", "liberalism" or whatever!), but let's face it, our culture and society is confusing men as to what their roles are as men. whether it's in the work place, in the home or wherever men have trouble finding their place. it is no longer an issue of women just tired of men not stepping up to be men and therefore filling the void...it is now the agenda of many to promote and propagate the idea to the level of common sense that there is no difference between men and women (other than a few anatomical difference...but even that can be addressed). so what's the role of a man in the work place? or what's his role in the family?
now let me say, that i understand that this is not the commonly held view among all...and it may just be the voices that ring out the loudest. but i don't believe it can be denied that this thinking at least has an impacting effect on our concept of what it means to be a man today. just ask your pastor to preach on submission in the home...just the mention of the subject and you'll feel the tension stronger than electrically charged bumper cars (and men start to look at the floor)!
and one more factor that contributes to the confusion of relationships as a guy: it's tough knowing how a man is supposed to have a relationship with another man. stop!! read that sentence again. did you bristle at all at how i formed that sentence? can i just say that that's exactly the point i'm trying to convey here. our culture has made us paranoid as guys about what is "gay" and what is not. just reading a sentence about men having relationships with other men sounds suspicious to us! we're constantly on guard about coming across as gay. we don't want to hug another dude. we don't want to wear tight jeans. we don't want to say, "i love you, man" or any other form of appreciation or affection (even using the word "affection" right there somehow sounds wrong...even though the dictionary's definition deems it appropriate). do you see what i'm trying to say? the outspoken nature of the homosexual community has created a large wake of homophobic activity and responses that impacts how we joke around with anybody or relate to any other guy at all! and again, it's just a factor that muddies the concept of identity as a man.
now i'm not claiming to be an expert at analyzing our culture (i'm certainly no anthropolgist), but i'm a guy making observations about what it means to be a guy in my culture today. and i believe there are other guys that struggle with these issues or are at least effected by them whether they could articulate them or not (or whether they even realize it or not).
identity can be a huge struggle for young men in our culture today.
2. PURITY :: this one can almost go without saying. but our culture's acceptance and accessibility to inappropriate sexual content and activity continues to have a profound impact on young men today. it is especially dangerous for Christian young men, because i have yet to encounter any guy who claims to know the Lord that isn't ashamed of sexual immorality or even "hints" of it. shame and pride can be a extremely dangerous combo. we're ashamed of our struggle, and too prideful to come clean and be held accountable. Satan is smart. he knows that he can get a bunch of Christian guys hooked on stuff who will be afraid to come out, say it and get help. pride and fear of consequences often causes men to miss out on freedom and forgiveness.
let's face it, we're guys. we do NOT have to be overcome by sexual sin and purity issues, but as long as our culture continues to promote impurity and push it in our faces it will be a challenge for young men.
3. AUTHORITY :: what is authority? where does it come from? and how do i respond to it?
or maybe some guys would just simply ask, "why should i listen to you?". those who ask that question may be a little more cynical, and aren't guys supposed to have an issue with authority anyway? (but there i go assuming cultural identity & stereotypes) there's a whole philosophy of thinking that some would label "postmodern" that challenges even the existence of authority...which of course pragmatically breaks down as soon as you are looking for a new job because you tried to explain to your boss that there are no absolutes and therefore rules cannot be expectations.
but i would argue that most young men are a little more sensitive than many would give them credit for, and they're searching for answers. they're really crying out, "who should i listen to?!?!"
and the problem is that there are not enough men telling them to listen to the Word of God.
we've got all sorts of worldviews that are contrary to the Truth of the Bible that are regularly communicated to young men. our education system and the media are constantly bombarding our minds with messages that oppose God's standards and character. and unfortunately, even Christians can be guilty of promoting values and philosophies that are unbiblical at times.
and when God is not the ultimate authority that we WANT & NEED to listen to, we will have problems. we need absolute truth. and that TRUTH is found in God's Word.
here's the deal, in my experience, guys WANT answers! they want help. they want someone to guide them through these challenges that they face. in fact, it's also been my experience, that young men are often the most receptive to listening to the truth found in the Bible. they are at a critical point in their lives. they are beginning to understand that the decisions they make right now will have a drastic effect on the rest of their lives, and because of confusion and simply being naive and unexperienced they are ripe for answers and guidance.
they need a healthy sense of authority...and that authority is an absolute and ultimate Authority who loved them enough to die for their sins to be in a right relationship with them, who cares for them, is in absolute control and wants what is best for them.
the challenge is listening to that Authority.
so there's my stab at summing up some of the challenges that face young Christian men in our culture today. i'm sure there are more, or that someone could sum up better than i...but in either case i hope the Church will commit to reaching these young men and supporting them with love and truth through these challenges to help them grow into mature spiritual leaders capable of passing on the legacy.
sounds like a good discussion...
interesting topic that could be extremely broad...so i think i'll choose to focus primarily on young men. what are the challenges that young men face today in our culture and how can the older men of our churches reach out and help?
so let me attempt to summarize the biggest challenges young men (specifically teenagers) face in our culture today:
1. IDENTITY :: a multifaceted challenge, but probably can all be tied to the confusion of a man's role in society...which specifically has led to the muddied understandings about work and relationships.
let me expound for a minute on what i'm trying to communicate here:
a. work. simply stated, guys don't know how to work hard because our culture has taught us to look for the greatest return for the least amount of work. not that we had to learn it from our culture...our culture has just played to our immature and selfish tendencies and given us the green light to act upon them and align our expectations with them. as a result we've lost an appreciation for the Law of Sowing & Reaping (that you will reap what you sow). in fact, it's often seen in an individual's mindset that it is totally unfair that he would ever have to experience consequences for his actions. we have a gimme mindset that's offended by those who would require us to work for it. (i see a similar attitude in "junior" who throws a tantrum when he doesn't get what he wants or when he's forced into "time out" when he goes against what he's told) as a result, our culture is experiencing an identity crises because we have men acting like little boys, which is also complicated by...
b. relationships. call it what you want ("feminism", "liberalism" or whatever!), but let's face it, our culture and society is confusing men as to what their roles are as men. whether it's in the work place, in the home or wherever men have trouble finding their place. it is no longer an issue of women just tired of men not stepping up to be men and therefore filling the void...it is now the agenda of many to promote and propagate the idea to the level of common sense that there is no difference between men and women (other than a few anatomical difference...but even that can be addressed). so what's the role of a man in the work place? or what's his role in the family?
now let me say, that i understand that this is not the commonly held view among all...and it may just be the voices that ring out the loudest. but i don't believe it can be denied that this thinking at least has an impacting effect on our concept of what it means to be a man today. just ask your pastor to preach on submission in the home...just the mention of the subject and you'll feel the tension stronger than electrically charged bumper cars (and men start to look at the floor)!
and one more factor that contributes to the confusion of relationships as a guy: it's tough knowing how a man is supposed to have a relationship with another man. stop!! read that sentence again. did you bristle at all at how i formed that sentence? can i just say that that's exactly the point i'm trying to convey here. our culture has made us paranoid as guys about what is "gay" and what is not. just reading a sentence about men having relationships with other men sounds suspicious to us! we're constantly on guard about coming across as gay. we don't want to hug another dude. we don't want to wear tight jeans. we don't want to say, "i love you, man" or any other form of appreciation or affection (even using the word "affection" right there somehow sounds wrong...even though the dictionary's definition deems it appropriate). do you see what i'm trying to say? the outspoken nature of the homosexual community has created a large wake of homophobic activity and responses that impacts how we joke around with anybody or relate to any other guy at all! and again, it's just a factor that muddies the concept of identity as a man.
now i'm not claiming to be an expert at analyzing our culture (i'm certainly no anthropolgist), but i'm a guy making observations about what it means to be a guy in my culture today. and i believe there are other guys that struggle with these issues or are at least effected by them whether they could articulate them or not (or whether they even realize it or not).
identity can be a huge struggle for young men in our culture today.
2. PURITY :: this one can almost go without saying. but our culture's acceptance and accessibility to inappropriate sexual content and activity continues to have a profound impact on young men today. it is especially dangerous for Christian young men, because i have yet to encounter any guy who claims to know the Lord that isn't ashamed of sexual immorality or even "hints" of it. shame and pride can be a extremely dangerous combo. we're ashamed of our struggle, and too prideful to come clean and be held accountable. Satan is smart. he knows that he can get a bunch of Christian guys hooked on stuff who will be afraid to come out, say it and get help. pride and fear of consequences often causes men to miss out on freedom and forgiveness.
let's face it, we're guys. we do NOT have to be overcome by sexual sin and purity issues, but as long as our culture continues to promote impurity and push it in our faces it will be a challenge for young men.
3. AUTHORITY :: what is authority? where does it come from? and how do i respond to it?
or maybe some guys would just simply ask, "why should i listen to you?". those who ask that question may be a little more cynical, and aren't guys supposed to have an issue with authority anyway? (but there i go assuming cultural identity & stereotypes) there's a whole philosophy of thinking that some would label "postmodern" that challenges even the existence of authority...which of course pragmatically breaks down as soon as you are looking for a new job because you tried to explain to your boss that there are no absolutes and therefore rules cannot be expectations.
but i would argue that most young men are a little more sensitive than many would give them credit for, and they're searching for answers. they're really crying out, "who should i listen to?!?!"
and the problem is that there are not enough men telling them to listen to the Word of God.
we've got all sorts of worldviews that are contrary to the Truth of the Bible that are regularly communicated to young men. our education system and the media are constantly bombarding our minds with messages that oppose God's standards and character. and unfortunately, even Christians can be guilty of promoting values and philosophies that are unbiblical at times.
and when God is not the ultimate authority that we WANT & NEED to listen to, we will have problems. we need absolute truth. and that TRUTH is found in God's Word.
here's the deal, in my experience, guys WANT answers! they want help. they want someone to guide them through these challenges that they face. in fact, it's also been my experience, that young men are often the most receptive to listening to the truth found in the Bible. they are at a critical point in their lives. they are beginning to understand that the decisions they make right now will have a drastic effect on the rest of their lives, and because of confusion and simply being naive and unexperienced they are ripe for answers and guidance.
they need a healthy sense of authority...and that authority is an absolute and ultimate Authority who loved them enough to die for their sins to be in a right relationship with them, who cares for them, is in absolute control and wants what is best for them.
the challenge is listening to that Authority.
so there's my stab at summing up some of the challenges that face young Christian men in our culture today. i'm sure there are more, or that someone could sum up better than i...but in either case i hope the Church will commit to reaching these young men and supporting them with love and truth through these challenges to help them grow into mature spiritual leaders capable of passing on the legacy.
sounds like a good discussion...
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
forgive our generation!
there are certain memories that draw you back into your childhood and stir up the excitement of being a kid again. the world was more simple when you were a kid, and sometimes it's relaxing and enchanting to just escape back into the days of imagination and wonder...when toys and tv filled your mind with fantasy and adventure. sometimes you'd pay anything to go back and be a kid again.
and hollywood knows it.
over the past few years the movie industry has seen an epidemic of remakes from the old days. nothing escapes the camera that retains any reminiscence of favorite characters, toy, books or stories from our lifetime. just look at the upcoming blockbuster list and you'll see something that's intending to make you say, oh, wow! there making a movie out of that? i remember that from when i was little! it seems everyone wants to relive the past, but with more mature themes enhance by CGI and special effects. it's like our childhood never grew up.
but the obsession with revisiting our immaturity as kids has a price! especially when the more "mature" versions don't seem to have truly matured. some of the movies that are based out of childrens' shows of long ago seem to have lost anything of real value to children and are replaced by immoral material reflective of our current culture. it's like sesame street meets mtv.
the latest attempt to lure in young viewers is paramounts' "transformers 2: rise of the fallen" directed by michael bay. the film has grossed $390.4 million in over 5 days. apparently there is a huge fan base. and although the movie doesn't seem to be generating positive reviews here in the united states, it apparently has all the elements of a movie that our generation wants to see.
which makes me sick to my stomach.
some of you may be of the generation where the power rangers ruled supreme, but you see, transformers was from mine. truthfully, i never really got into the transformers...i was much more of a lego and g.i.joe kind of guy (which coincidentally, this transformers flick featured a preview for the new movie soon to be release, "g.i.joe: the rise of cobra", further proving my point that our generation can't get over their childhood).
this movie was aimed at my generation. and this is what my generation wants to see. this is what my generation has become.
i couldn't even finish the movie. i left the theater, having wasted $8.75 (a rip off in small-town indiana), with a growing anger burning in my heart. i blame paramount and i blame michael bay for the all the crass humor and gross sexual content scattered throughout the film, but i fear that they were simply giving the audience what it asks for. i'm more concerned that this movie embodies what my generation wants.
now why would i pick this movie to go after? there wasn't an explicit sex scene (at least none that i saw as i was forced to hide my eyes from the screen). the movie toys with the freedom and fun of college life...and all the immorality that goes with it. i know there are other movies that are blatantly more focused on twisting and indulging in sexual content, but my issue is that this was supposed to thrill my generation with a chance to enjoy a piece of our childhood again. i wonder what was going through the minds of those involved in making this movie. they knew a whole generation of young men would flock to see their old boyhood friends blowing up the decepticons, but they also must have known that a whole generation of young men really want to see girls and nudity along with their cars and robots.
that's what makes me sick.
my generation is a generation of young men enthralled with immaturity and immorality.
Father, forgive my generation. forgive us of our base and indecent lust for the things of this world. forgive us for distorting Your beautiful gift of sexuality. raise up a generation of young men who will put off the old self, "which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires" and "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (eph. 4:22-24) we need Your wisdom and strength to navigate the treacherous waters of our culture and be blameless and innocent so that we "shine as lights in the world" (phil 2:15).
i wish i'd gone across the hall to see "up"...
and hollywood knows it.
over the past few years the movie industry has seen an epidemic of remakes from the old days. nothing escapes the camera that retains any reminiscence of favorite characters, toy, books or stories from our lifetime. just look at the upcoming blockbuster list and you'll see something that's intending to make you say, oh, wow! there making a movie out of that? i remember that from when i was little! it seems everyone wants to relive the past, but with more mature themes enhance by CGI and special effects. it's like our childhood never grew up.
but the obsession with revisiting our immaturity as kids has a price! especially when the more "mature" versions don't seem to have truly matured. some of the movies that are based out of childrens' shows of long ago seem to have lost anything of real value to children and are replaced by immoral material reflective of our current culture. it's like sesame street meets mtv.
the latest attempt to lure in young viewers is paramounts' "transformers 2: rise of the fallen" directed by michael bay. the film has grossed $390.4 million in over 5 days. apparently there is a huge fan base. and although the movie doesn't seem to be generating positive reviews here in the united states, it apparently has all the elements of a movie that our generation wants to see.
which makes me sick to my stomach.
some of you may be of the generation where the power rangers ruled supreme, but you see, transformers was from mine. truthfully, i never really got into the transformers...i was much more of a lego and g.i.joe kind of guy (which coincidentally, this transformers flick featured a preview for the new movie soon to be release, "g.i.joe: the rise of cobra", further proving my point that our generation can't get over their childhood).
this movie was aimed at my generation. and this is what my generation wants to see. this is what my generation has become.
i couldn't even finish the movie. i left the theater, having wasted $8.75 (a rip off in small-town indiana), with a growing anger burning in my heart. i blame paramount and i blame michael bay for the all the crass humor and gross sexual content scattered throughout the film, but i fear that they were simply giving the audience what it asks for. i'm more concerned that this movie embodies what my generation wants.
now why would i pick this movie to go after? there wasn't an explicit sex scene (at least none that i saw as i was forced to hide my eyes from the screen). the movie toys with the freedom and fun of college life...and all the immorality that goes with it. i know there are other movies that are blatantly more focused on twisting and indulging in sexual content, but my issue is that this was supposed to thrill my generation with a chance to enjoy a piece of our childhood again. i wonder what was going through the minds of those involved in making this movie. they knew a whole generation of young men would flock to see their old boyhood friends blowing up the decepticons, but they also must have known that a whole generation of young men really want to see girls and nudity along with their cars and robots.
that's what makes me sick.
my generation is a generation of young men enthralled with immaturity and immorality.
Father, forgive my generation. forgive us of our base and indecent lust for the things of this world. forgive us for distorting Your beautiful gift of sexuality. raise up a generation of young men who will put off the old self, "which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires" and "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (eph. 4:22-24) we need Your wisdom and strength to navigate the treacherous waters of our culture and be blameless and innocent so that we "shine as lights in the world" (phil 2:15).
i wish i'd gone across the hall to see "up"...
Monday, June 29, 2009
leave the culture out of it!
what does it take to be a man? what makes a man manly?
there are so many cultural connotations to these questions. in fact, as soon as the questions are asked you probably saw images of ripped, gruff & tough guys from some truck commercial racing through your mind. it's almost impossible to give a definition of what it means to be a man without being influenced by our culture (and particularly the media).
but who can answer these questions?
unfortunately we've settled for the definitions we've been given. stereotypes that are assumed. we're told who we are...or at least, who we should be if we want to be anybody. but even more unfortunate than that is the confusion we seem to get from those who call the shots. commercials, youtube videos, movies and tv shows are constantly sending mixed messages that can be extremely confusing and frustrating for young men trying to grow up to be real men. one minute they say men are funny, lazy slobs excused from immaturity because of raging hormones. the next minute we've got to have it all together with a successful job, power suit and gorgeous girls hanging off of each arm. and then a few minutes later they throw in men who are confident in their alternative sexual lifestyles. which is it? pick an option. or just stayed confused...
which is just symptomatic of the most unfortunate consequence of our culture's influence on our thinking: the fact that we look to our culture at all for answers and trust them to lead us in the right direction of manhood.
can our culture really answer the question of what it means to be a man?
i hope you see how relative the answer becomes if they do, because each culture will answer it differently. from a cultural standpoint being a man means something entirely different in india then it does in the united states. and you could most likely make a case for it being different in any other country or region of the world.
so what is the standard? where do we get the answers?
if we're going to learn what it truly means to be man, then we look no further than the Creator of man Himself! He alone can tell us what it truly means to be a man and what is manly.
His answers are the truth we need to become men who live on purpose...for the purpose we were created for. so when the question is asked, "what does it mean to be a man?", leave the culture out of it and turn to the Word of God.
let me leave you with a few thoughts from His Word that begin our quest in biblical anthropology:
1. man is created in the image of God. (genesis 1:26,27)
2. we were created for His glory (colossians 1:16)
3. all men are sinners that fall short of His glory (romans 3:23)
4. we are redeemed by faith in Jesus Christ (romans 3:24-26)
5. we were created to serve Him (eph. 2:10; 2 Tim.3:17)
these truths are hidden from man apart from divine revelation (1 corinthians 2:14-16; matthew 11:27). so stop looking for truth in the dumpster of the media. don't turn to the blind "experts" of psychology, sociology or science that separate our existence from an Almighty Creator.
do you wanna be a man?
then become a man of God's Word! it's your source of truth, and you can trust it!
there are so many cultural connotations to these questions. in fact, as soon as the questions are asked you probably saw images of ripped, gruff & tough guys from some truck commercial racing through your mind. it's almost impossible to give a definition of what it means to be a man without being influenced by our culture (and particularly the media).
but who can answer these questions?
unfortunately we've settled for the definitions we've been given. stereotypes that are assumed. we're told who we are...or at least, who we should be if we want to be anybody. but even more unfortunate than that is the confusion we seem to get from those who call the shots. commercials, youtube videos, movies and tv shows are constantly sending mixed messages that can be extremely confusing and frustrating for young men trying to grow up to be real men. one minute they say men are funny, lazy slobs excused from immaturity because of raging hormones. the next minute we've got to have it all together with a successful job, power suit and gorgeous girls hanging off of each arm. and then a few minutes later they throw in men who are confident in their alternative sexual lifestyles. which is it? pick an option. or just stayed confused...
which is just symptomatic of the most unfortunate consequence of our culture's influence on our thinking: the fact that we look to our culture at all for answers and trust them to lead us in the right direction of manhood.
can our culture really answer the question of what it means to be a man?
i hope you see how relative the answer becomes if they do, because each culture will answer it differently. from a cultural standpoint being a man means something entirely different in india then it does in the united states. and you could most likely make a case for it being different in any other country or region of the world.
so what is the standard? where do we get the answers?
if we're going to learn what it truly means to be man, then we look no further than the Creator of man Himself! He alone can tell us what it truly means to be a man and what is manly.
His answers are the truth we need to become men who live on purpose...for the purpose we were created for. so when the question is asked, "what does it mean to be a man?", leave the culture out of it and turn to the Word of God.
let me leave you with a few thoughts from His Word that begin our quest in biblical anthropology:
1. man is created in the image of God. (genesis 1:26,27)
2. we were created for His glory (colossians 1:16)
3. all men are sinners that fall short of His glory (romans 3:23)
4. we are redeemed by faith in Jesus Christ (romans 3:24-26)
5. we were created to serve Him (eph. 2:10; 2 Tim.3:17)
these truths are hidden from man apart from divine revelation (1 corinthians 2:14-16; matthew 11:27). so stop looking for truth in the dumpster of the media. don't turn to the blind "experts" of psychology, sociology or science that separate our existence from an Almighty Creator.
do you wanna be a man?
then become a man of God's Word! it's your source of truth, and you can trust it!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
a manly stereotype?
ok, guys, in order for this to be effective i need your help in giving your best answer and spreading the word about this blog for other guys to read and respond. so give me your feedback and give another dude the link to this site.
click on the "comments" below...and then you can click on the "email post" and send it to someone else! the more involved in the discussion the better. i'll follow up in a few days after the discussion gets rolling.
answer this: What makes a man MANLY? Does he have to fit a stereotype (i.e. rough, tough, built like the Hulk, unemotional, etc.)?
click on the "comments" below...and then you can click on the "email post" and send it to someone else! the more involved in the discussion the better. i'll follow up in a few days after the discussion gets rolling.
answer this: What makes a man MANLY? Does he have to fit a stereotype (i.e. rough, tough, built like the Hulk, unemotional, etc.)?
Monday, June 22, 2009
Father's Day challenge
pastor terry's message yesterday on passing the baton was especially challenging to Dad's on their way to become godly men and fathers...
Terry Thompson's Message
Terry Thompson's Message
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
the dream
i have a dream. or at least the beginnings of one...
i hope this blog is just the beginning of something that God will use to impact generations of young men for His glory.
the dreams starting coming while driving down the road (which should have indicated to me right from the start that this dream will be dangerous). i landed in crawfordsville, indiana 3 years ago, which is a story in and of itself, but i've often wondered, God, what in the world am i doing here? for most of 3 years i've heard nothing in reply. except the lesson of waiting in patience. not an easy one for me. but now looking back on this past few years' experience i'm beginning to see a few of the brushstrokes He's been painting for the storyboard of my life. it's actually fun growing older and realizing that He really has been using everything to bring me to where am at today. and a few more years down the road i'll be looking back thinking the same thing. i hope...
but lately i've started to dream about how God could use me uniquely to impact the world for Him. and it all hinges around inspiring and empowering young men.
when i graduated from moody bible institute in the spring of 2006 i left there with great potential to be the quint-essential pastor. or so i thought. i honestly felt like i could do it all. i loved to preach, teach, sing, play guitar, minister to kids, teens, adults, elderly...i mean, i had it going on!
then i actually got a position in the ministry.
wow. apparently i'm not all that i thought i was cracked up to be. in fact, i've learned more from making boneheaded mistakes and naive assumptions than anything. there have been many days when i've looked around and thought, am i being effective at all??? but God has helped me focus my gaze and understand where i am gifted...where i am used most effectively. and as i look back on all that He has done since i got a real job ('entered vocational ministry' sounds better) i'm beginning to see a passion grow to impact the lives of high school and college age men.
there's something about that stage of life that gets me fired up. it's an awesome time of exploring on your own, building new friends, and making life-changing decisions. in fact, somewhere between the time you graduate from high school and begin your senior year of college most guys have this epiphany, like, oh man, i'm about to graduate...what in the world am i gonna do? thats' such a vulnerable place in life. and it's a great time for someone to step in and challenge them to think hard about the direction their life is headed.
i want to do that.
i want to help young men become real men.
and that's not easy in our culture. but i'm pumped about the possibilities of what God will do with generations of young men who are sold out to Him and desire to be used by Him to impact the world. i wanna be right there in the action!
so this is the beginning of a ministry that's aimed at pushing guys to Jesus. and i pray He'll use my utmost for His highest!
i hope this blog is just the beginning of something that God will use to impact generations of young men for His glory.
the dreams starting coming while driving down the road (which should have indicated to me right from the start that this dream will be dangerous). i landed in crawfordsville, indiana 3 years ago, which is a story in and of itself, but i've often wondered, God, what in the world am i doing here? for most of 3 years i've heard nothing in reply. except the lesson of waiting in patience. not an easy one for me. but now looking back on this past few years' experience i'm beginning to see a few of the brushstrokes He's been painting for the storyboard of my life. it's actually fun growing older and realizing that He really has been using everything to bring me to where am at today. and a few more years down the road i'll be looking back thinking the same thing. i hope...
but lately i've started to dream about how God could use me uniquely to impact the world for Him. and it all hinges around inspiring and empowering young men.
when i graduated from moody bible institute in the spring of 2006 i left there with great potential to be the quint-essential pastor. or so i thought. i honestly felt like i could do it all. i loved to preach, teach, sing, play guitar, minister to kids, teens, adults, elderly...i mean, i had it going on!
then i actually got a position in the ministry.
wow. apparently i'm not all that i thought i was cracked up to be. in fact, i've learned more from making boneheaded mistakes and naive assumptions than anything. there have been many days when i've looked around and thought, am i being effective at all??? but God has helped me focus my gaze and understand where i am gifted...where i am used most effectively. and as i look back on all that He has done since i got a real job ('entered vocational ministry' sounds better) i'm beginning to see a passion grow to impact the lives of high school and college age men.
there's something about that stage of life that gets me fired up. it's an awesome time of exploring on your own, building new friends, and making life-changing decisions. in fact, somewhere between the time you graduate from high school and begin your senior year of college most guys have this epiphany, like, oh man, i'm about to graduate...what in the world am i gonna do? thats' such a vulnerable place in life. and it's a great time for someone to step in and challenge them to think hard about the direction their life is headed.
i want to do that.
i want to help young men become real men.
and that's not easy in our culture. but i'm pumped about the possibilities of what God will do with generations of young men who are sold out to Him and desire to be used by Him to impact the world. i wanna be right there in the action!
so this is the beginning of a ministry that's aimed at pushing guys to Jesus. and i pray He'll use my utmost for His highest!
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