Okay, who is responsible for this?

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.

Via The Joshua Commission

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ESV 

The temptation for any man to believe he is ultimately responsible for and capable of providing for himself and his family is strong.  It feels noble.  It is truly part of what God designed us as men to do.  It is also hubris and pride for any of us to believe we can do it on our own.  This is especially true for any of us who desire to be seen as kingdom men.

So many years of my life have been spent striving to provide. Yes this meant the practical things, money to pay the bills, a safe and secure place to live, and food to eat. It also meant striving to provide myself an identity as a man.  I wanted to look good and capable and strong and brave. All good things but never the best things when coming from my own effort.

Over the past several years, as I am continually challenged to look at this title we use in the Joshua Commission of Kingdom Man, God has shown me more and more of His heart. He is my ultimate provider. Who I am is defined by how much of His provision I allow into my life. I have learned that He doesn’t force His provision on me. It is always available but He lets me learn through the times I still choose to go it on my own.

The real joy comes though when I embrace and accept His provision.  While it does include the practical (it really is all His anyway) it is more importantly the intangible. It’s the peace in our hearts that we can’t explain. It’s the rest our souls (our heart and emotions) experience when we allow our father to care for us. Jesus told us in the gospel of Matthew to come to Him when we are weary and burdened and He WILL give us rest. When we accept this Godly provision first that is what equips us to do the work God has given us to do as Kingdom Men. 

Today take stock of all God has provided.  When tempted to take the credit yourself, stop and confess your pride and simply thank Him for it.

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!