Portrait of a Thriving Man

It was always Peace

Via The Joshua Commission

“And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their ancestors. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hands.” - Joshua 21:44

What was the final proof of Joshua's success? It certainly wasn’t endless war and enmity. No. It was rest. It was peace.  It was a secure, God-given peace on every side. This was the result of obedience. This was the sign of a promise fulfilled. This is what it looks like when God’s people are thriving in the land.

God’s peace is for you, too. The life described in the Kingdom Man’s Creed leads to stability, not burnout. We want to be men who are sources of  order, not chaos.

So, what does this man, the man who is thriving, actually look like?

He is a warrior, so his family feels safe. 

He is a lover, so his wife feels cherished. 

He is a teacher, so his children have wisdom. 

He is a king, so his home is well-ordered. He doesn’t lead with an iron fist, but with a servant’s heart.

At his job, he doesn’t work for the approval of men. He works with diligence and excellence as an act of worship. His labor is honest, and its fruits are purposeful. People notice. His integrity is his witness.

In his community, he is a Peace Maker. He doesn't add to the noise; he brings clarity. He stands in the gap for the vulnerable and defends justice, because it’s the righteous thing to do.

It was never supposed to be easy, but you were never supposed to dream up your solutions. You were meant to practice. You were meant to DO THINGS. This is the man the Creed is designed to build, one skill at a time. 

On Monday, you received the commission. On Wednesday, you received your orders. Today, we discussed the result, the man you were commissioned to be. Next week, we get to work!!!

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!