True Manhood

Some of the best debates I've participated in have taken place in the absence of facts. A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. (Proverbs 18:2) On one hand, understanding means knowing the facts but another significant part of understanding is knowledge about relationships. A fool does not really care about the facts or about understanding others but only about himself and what he feels or thinks. Our sports culture embraces the goals of a fool because it is redefining masculinity to be based on three big lies that devalue understanding and relationship: athletic ability, sexual conquest and economic success.

Joe Ehrmann is a football coach who is also a minister. He coaches a winning team but their primary goal is not to win games but to develop true manhood. Here are some of his winning tips:

* Allow yourself to love and be loved. Build and value relationships.
* Accept responsibility, lead courageously, and enact justice on behalf of others. Practice the concepts of empathy, inclusion and integrity.
* Learn the importance of serving others and developing community. Base your thoughts and actions on “What can I do for you?”
* Develop a cause beyond yourself. Try to leave the world a better place because you were here.

Project: (Do at least the last two and please send a testimony about what happened)

* Find out more about “Building Men for Others” see buildingmen.org.
* Read “My Winning Strategy” Guideposts Magazine – October, 2005.
* Ask God for a true valuation of understanding others and relationships.
* Pray for God's grace to make the place where you are today a better place. (What attitude or action could you change to make it better?)