via TJC
“whatever happens (whatever you do) conduct your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:27
Next three weeks we will be talking about our roles as men - provider, protector and priest. It cracks me up hearing men’s confused talks about their purpose, it’s simple - God made you in His image to work, protect others, share and teach others as a priest; all these to glorify Him.
Each week we will give an intro, do a scriptural deep dive, discuss some of the cultural conflicts with these roles, and then share some lessons and key points growing in that role.
We start with provider; and it boils down to a really simple concept called work. Kingdom men work- we accomplish God’s tasks, we leverage our time to get paid, and we use that money to take care of our spouse and children today and prepare for the future.
I couldn’t wait to work, and had to get a waiver to start a part time job when I was 14 - working at a landscaping nursery moving trees. Before that I had always cut grass, shoveled out neighbors snow covered driveways, walked dogs, asked for more chores - whatever I found. It’s not that my family needed me to work, It’s that I wanted money so I could do the things I desired and provide for myself. Turning 16 I wanted to drive and date; parents shouldn’t pay for that. I needed money for gas, to buy movie tickets for my date, to get pizza after. I wasn’t a boy taking from others. I was becoming a man taking responsibility and providing for myself and others.
A strong work ethic is one of the defining things about being a man; we do hard things well, and take care of others. There is a good reason men often introduce ourselves and share what we do - because it does define who we are in so many ways.
Your family and wife need you to provide. Women now often make more $ than men, but they want security and you working to provide - especially when starting a family. Your children need to see you going to work, and then teaching them how your pay provides a home, education, food, transportation and opportunities like vacations. They need to learn that as youth so they grow up as productive members of the Kingdom.
Is it any wonder we hear young men struggling, when many no longer seek part time jobs, and struggle dating instead “talking” online. Dads - make your kids do real chores, teach them how to use their allowance, make them go work at publix rounding up shopping carts.
Daily Battle Order:
Go get that list of things your wife wants done, and instead of whatever you planned for this saturday - clean out the garage, trim the bushes around the door, clean the toilets, wash her car, cut the grass, repair that leaky toilet. Bet you can knock out 90% of her list in one day. No grumbling - just get at it - work.
Then make sure you shower, cause your wife watched, your kids watched, they saw you “man-up”. Just be sure to stay awake after the kids are asleep - cause your wife did more than notice, she enjoyed seeing you man up.
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