Let them say: "This is what it looks like."

If a brother, uncle, guardian, mentor or friend, I will give honor in all of my relationships. I will lead, teach, correct and train in the spirit of righteousness.

Via The Joshua Commission

“When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them…” 
— Joshua 4:6–7

Every man’s life is a “stone” that raises questions.

Younger men are already watching how we work, love, fight, pray, and repent. They’re asking silently, “What does all this mean? What does a real man of God look like?”

Brotherhood is for men who are willing to be living markers of God’s faithfulness. Stones aren’t supposed to be perfect, but they have to stay strong. Stones aren’t supposed to be polished, but there they are: honest, available and committed.

“Uncs” on purpose, as we wrote this week.

Bring your story, your Bible, your scars, and your willingness to show up for your brothers. 

Let God use your life as one of the “stones” as the next generation points to and says: If a brother, uncle, guardian, mentor or friend, he gave honor. He woke up every day in good and bad. He taught, corrected, trained and all in the spirit of righteousness.

Paul didn’t grow old and look pretty. His body carried the story: lashed, beaten with rods, stoned and left for dead, shipwrecked, jailed, hunted (2 Corinthians 11:23–28; Acts 14:19; 16:22–24). He could say, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). And still he wrote to the churches as “brothers and sisters,” urging, warning, comforting them (Romans 12:1; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 3:17). Scarred, limping, and likely bent with age, he lived as an older brother who refused to step back from the fight.

Joshua didn’t grow old and look pretty. He was a fighting man who carried the weight of battles and the faith of a nation on his shoulders. He spoke to the tribes like a seasoned older brother, reminding them of all they had seen God do, warning them not to turn aside, and calling them to choose whom they would serve (Joshua 23–24). His life was a battle-scarred testimony that strength and obedience go together…..like a rock….like those stones.

Lord, let them say of me: “That’s what it looked like to follow Jesus.”

THE KINGDOM MAN’S CREED

I am a Kingdom Man. I am created by God to bear His image. I am a son and viceroy for my Fathers work. I am a warrior, lover, teacher and king.

I am a Kingdom Man. Like Joshua, I will be strong and courageous. I will train my mind and body for the battles to come. I will discipline my heart, eyes and tongue to be steadfast and faithful to the calling on my life.

I am a Kingdom Man. If a husband, I love and serve my wife, if a father, a loving father to my children. I will love and lead them as Christ loves the Church. If a brother, uncle, guardian, mentor or friend, I will give honor in all of my relationships. I will lead, teach, correct and train in the spirit of righteousness.

I am a Kingdom Man. I am called to break down barriers and free others from strongholds. I am a Peace Maker. My armor is Truth, Righteousness, Grace and Humility. I will stand in the gap for my neighbor to defend gospel justice for the marginalized. 

I am a Kingdom Man. God is my provider. He has given me gifts and talents to exemplify Him with the work of my hands. I will work with diligence and excellence. My labor will be honest and its fruits purposeful.

I am a Kingdom Man with a Kingdom vision. Commissioned by Christ. My life is the Father’s. I am intentional. I will grow in my faith, be consistent in my actions and leave a legacy worthy of the race I have run.

I AM a Kingdom Man!