A Nice Guy...

And then, alas, there is the church. Christianity, as it currently exists, has done some terrible things to men. When all is said and done, I think most men in the church believe that God put them on the earth to be a good boy. The problem with men, we are told, is that they don't know how to keep their promises, be spiritual leaders, talk to their wives, or raise their children. But, if they will try real hard they can reach the lofty summit of becoming . . . a nice guy. That's what we hold up as models of Christian maturity: Really Nice Guys. We don't smoke, drink, or swear; that's what makes us men. Now let me ask my male readers: In all your boyhood dreams growing up, did you ever dream of becoming a Nice Guy? (Ladies, was the Prince of your dreams dashing . . . or merely nice?)

Really now-do I overstate my case? Walk into most churches in America, have a look around, and ask yourself this question: What is a Christian man? Don't listen to what is said, look at what you find there. There is no doubt about it. You'd have to admit a Christian man is . . . bored. At a recent church retreat I was talking with a guy in his fifties, listening really, about his own journey as a man. "I've pretty much tried for the last twenty years to be a good man as the church defines it." Intrigued, I asked him to say what he thought that was. He paused for a long moment. "Dutiful," he said. "And separated from his heart." A perfect description, I thought. Sadly right on the mark. (Wild at Heart , 7)

This excerpt is not an excuse to avoid church, but an awakening to bring revival to your own church!!! And to the lives of men, women and children! The heart is central; hence, why Satan is attacking the hearts of Christians everywhere... our relationship with Christ is often reduced to a list of do's and don'ts, duty and obligation, and a passionless life that Satan has left us to believe is as good as it gets. It's a LIE.

Christ came to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10)... and that which was lost was our heart, taken by the enemy who tempted Adam and Eve in the beginning, and who's brought sin, destruction and an end to the world as we know it now.

Christ came to heal the brokenhearted, and to set the captive free (Luke 4:8)... the blind will see, the lame will walk, the deaf will hear... addicts will break addictions, the stressed will find relief, the depressed will find joy, the angry will find happiness, the lonely will find love, the bored will find EXCITEMENT IN LIFE... it's the story of the Gospel... healing, freedom, life as it was meant to be... from our healed heart, our good heart. Christ wants to come into your life in a real way, and set you free to LIVE.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 

If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 -WOW!!!

-Jeff