This is partly written for future use when I need to use it. It’s also under the category of “if you care to know”.
I’d like to mention some things. On another blog a commenter thought I was post-modern and was very critical of me because I didn’t “man-up”. Don’t ask me to explain because I don’t understand it myself. Other times people come here and fire a drive by shot.
Masculinity isn’t about “manning-up” or picking fights. I see a lot of harsh treatment of each other on other blogs (not many at all of the regular commenters here though) and it seems to be the norm.
I started out as a 145lb. weakling and eventually became a 220lb. powerlifter (below). Although I was a Christian, I was a hot-head and thought I had a lot of answers. I never fought in real life but online I was often looking for an argument and offline wasn’t afraid of telling people how much I disagree with them (I wasn’t just a keyboard warrior).
I can see this aspect of myself in others, especially those who are younger. Ah, to be young and know it all.
Then I developed some mental health difficulties which became very humbling. God used and is still using suffering along with Scripture to help me see others in a different light.
Then I developed major back problems. This brought me further along. I’m now a 168lb. weakling which is pretty humbling after losing all that. It takes all my energy just to maintain the tiny bit of extra muscle I still have.
Lately God is doing another round of helping me to be more gentle, peace loving etc. mainly through Scripture by itself this time thankfully. I sure have a long way to go though.
It’s more masculine to hold back and be meek when dealing with others, especially those who are Christians. It’s also masculine to be extremely forceful with those who are oppressing others. The latter isn’t usually what we deal with on Christian blogs when we’re interacting with each other.
So if you want me to “man-up” or are looking for an argument (as opposed to a discussion) or want to incite me, it probably won’t happen unless I reach a moment of weakness or am defending truth, justice and the American way. Interesting paradox.
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
Amen brother.
I used to be hot headed, and still can be sometimes. But when it comes to arguing online I just don’t see the point anymore. I really don’t. It just seems like all it is is (i hate that) a forum for anonymous people to perform a Holy-Spirit-Drive-By, so they can put a check mark in their “evangelism” or “apologetics” column for the day. You know, to make sure Jesus doesn’t get mad at them!
Of course, most of that “evangelism” or “apologetics” is against theological liberals like Mark Driscoll, and his ilk. The type of people that God hates.
*sigh*
That’s funny. You’re still young enough to be hot headed but you’re mature beyond your years. I would take you for somebody much older if I didn’t know.
I wish I had the discernment to know who God hates.
Jeff
It appears we now have this view of Christian masculinity as picking theological fights and if you don’t, you’re not “manning-up”. I often view myself as just the messenger (for God), the rest (the judgments and sentencing) I leave to him.
Thank You for this opportunity to express a concern I have with real men in the church. I find it confusing that more Christians are not active in preserving our American Heritage and take an active role in protesting what our Government is forcing on all of us.
Why are the pastors silent on the issue. Is it the 501 c3 that has their mouths gagged, giving way to “tolerance” and do the pastors not understand that any laws passed that go against Gods laws we owe no allegience to.
Oh silent church when will you wake up and call your congregations to action against the onslaught that our country is facing.
You cry Romans 13 yet you seem to be totally un-educated on this doctrine of unlimited submission to the civil magistry and whether we owe it or not. Do you think letting the Tea Party Patriots lead in this charge is right. Where are those men of old that were brave and bold and bared the necks to axes — seems to me the “men” in the church are meek and mild and gently pay their taxes.
Wake up pastors — Don’t miss this time “such as this” to lead the nation back to God. The church should be leading the charge up Capital Hill to get our nation back on the right footing. Quit hiding behind your 501 and get out and preach and lead the new American Revolution.
Jeff, quite touching. Thanks for this.
At any rate, I don’t mind a fair and respectable exchange of ideas on a given subject. It may be a controversial one. As long as honor and respect is shown to each other, I say let them go on. My take.
That’s a good way to see it Admin. Shall I call you Admin?
William, I’m not sure if political action is what God calls the majority of Christians to get involved with. After all, there is slavery in the NT and even Jesus didn’t speak out against it. He had a much higher calling. I’m not the best apologist for this sort of thing so I shouldn’t say much more. I appreciate what you say on standing up for what is right though.
TC, sometimes you’re so congenial it’s actually frustrating! I truly mean that as a complement. You bring up potentially controversial subjects but I can see you never do them to incite. The threads are never 100 comment grudge matches unless it’s other people’s fault but it doesn’t seem to come to that on your blog.
A.Admin = Aberration blog administrator; You can call me Bryon. I could list other names left for me in comments if you would like some humor…”Aberration blog” was supposed to be a joint effort with me performing administration fuctions. But the other joiners have slacked off!
In the exercise and enjoyment of present blessings the church is prone to be oblivious to the history of the past, and it is easy to let slip the great principles by which our privileges were won. The world world be in for worse shape today if, in the years long gone, there had not been men and women willing to die for the purity of simple Bilical truth, especially the business of whether or not a Christian owes unlimited submission to civil magistrates.
The Bible, of course, never teaches that God’s people owe unlimited submission to civil magistrates, even though Gog Himself has established and ordained the ordinance of civil government. Civil magistrates are to be obeyed only in-so-far as they command that the people obey the laws of God!
All of history proves this precept to be correct and all American preachers who grovel at the feet of the goddess “Unlimited Submission” should turn their backs on truth and go back to England, begging the Queen to let them and their little tory congregations set up a colony somewhere on the English Channel.
Back in the mid 1700’s a good many men and women had a proper understanding of what Rom 13 1-7 and I Peter 2 13-14, taught, in light of the rest of the scriptures and in the light of history. Thank God that the American Christians of old had the courage to stand against tyrannical civil magistry and did not do as Christians of today.
Sam 23-3
I hope this does not incite, but invite you to study to show yourself approved unto God rightly dividing the Word of Truth which would be our reseasonable worship or service.
Jeff: some of my posts turn out to be controversial, but you’re correct in observing the civility in which they’re discussed.
Occasionally I’ve had to calm a few commenters down, but not often.
It’s more masculine to hold back and be meek when dealing with others, especially those who are Christians. It’s also masculine to be extremely forceful with those who are oppressing others.
Amen.
BTW, love the pic.
Yes, the real man, while standing up fro the truth doesn’t have to always insist on being right.
2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
Thanks for the reference William.
Jeff