In our Pastoral Team Meetings, we have been working our way through some potential mens’ ministry curriculum. The Quest for Authentic Manhood.
This is not a quest I had ever imagined taking… and it very obviously looks quite different for me than it does for the rest of our team.
I confess I have been skeptical and eye-rolly about it, especially towards the beginning. But this curious thing called “pleasantly surprised” has been happening more and more as we sit with the teachings together – and as I allow my cynicism to be softened by the Spirit of God.
Who knew?! When we humble ourselves we DO get to experience a new sense of wonder/see great value in places we had never imagined finding it.
Like Laura finding herself enjoying a personal quest for authentic manhood…
The point that struck me the most yesterday had to do with blind spots! Robert Lewis was talking about the importance of men having other men to share life with because when we are alone we can talk ourselves into believing all sorts of things that are ultimately untrue – about ourselves and our families, the world and God! The best way to address this is by talking with other people and listening to what they have learned and sharing what God has shown us.
In relationship, we are able to address blind spots that prevent us from remembering or believing what is true!
Another important piece that Robert Lewis shared was about the importance of men celebrating the noble things in one another’s lives.
Through this teaching, the Lord began to show me that blind spots do not always have to be addressing false beliefs or deception. Each of us have blind spots that keep us from celebrating parts of our story!
Lately I’ve heard from multiple people about cataract surgeries… either waiting to book their appointments, being nervous or afraid about the upcoming procedures and being amazed by their new eyes.
Community and connection with God and others are the lasers needed to cut out our blind spots. Cataracts literally form in eyes and obstruct vision! Regardless of how old or young we may be, each of us is susceptible to spiritual blind spots, to cloudy vision of who God is and what God is doing.
As you go into the rest of your day, consider this passage from Ephesians 5. It addresses not only the fact that we ARE children of light but it provides helpful instructions in the way we are to live those lives… with one another.
May we be people who bravely choose to surround ourselves with others and allow them to address our blind spots.
May we be people of humility who are willing to have our hearts softened by the Lord to receive the wisdom others have to share with us.
May we never cease our praise to the Father who has made all these things possible!
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[Ephesians 5:8-20]