Stop Trying and Start Training
As Christian men, our desire to do good and lead a moral life is commendable. However, true transformation and becoming men of God require a shift in mindset.
Instead of relying solely on our efforts, let’s redirect our focus to training ourselves in key areas: daily time in God’s Word, wholehearted worship, putting on the full armor of God, active involvement in a Bible-preaching church, and participation in its activities. This intentional investment will empower us to live purposefully, with strength and unwavering faith.
Prioritize Daily Time in His Word
To become men of God, we must make it a priority to spend daily time in God’s Word. Set aside dedicated moments each day for reading and studying the Bible. Let God’s Word guide and shape our thoughts, actions, and character. Immerse ourselves in its wisdom, promises, and teachings to renew our minds and equip us for the challenges we face.Ā
Psalm 1 (NIV): Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
Wholehearted Worship
True worship goes beyond attending church services or singing hymns. It involves surrendering our hearts, minds, and lives to God daily. Worship is an opportunity to express love, gratitude, and devotion to our Creator. Engage in heartfelt prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. Let worship be a constant reminder of God’s greatness, love, and presence in our lives.
Psalm 34:1 (NIV):Ā I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
Putting on the Full Armor of God
Every day, we face spiritual battles, temptations, and challenges that can shake our faith. Therefore, it’s essential to intentionally put on the full armor of God described in Ephesians 6:11-15
Ephesians 6:11-15 (NIV): Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devilās schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Active Participation in Church Life
Merely attending church is not enough; active participation is crucial. Just as athletes train to participate in the game, we should actively serve in ministries, join small groups, and contribute our gifts and talents to the body of believers. Through active involvement, we grow in humility, servant leadership, and unity with other believers.
Hebrews 10:25 (NIV): Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one anotherāand all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV): They devoted themselves to the apostlesā teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… They met together regularly in the temple courts, shared meals in their homes with joyful hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV): Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV): So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
In conclusion, to transition from trying to do good to truly training ourselves as men of God, we must embrace all five practices. By committing to these disciplines, we move away from a performance-driven mindset and embrace the journey of becoming better men of God. Through God’s grace, we let go of shame, guilt, and condemnation and instead grow daily, allowing His transforming power to shape us into the men He designed us to be.
