12 brutal realities every Christian man needs to face
"Real Men Don't Need This Advice" - And Other Lies Satan Whispers
Listen up, brothers. The world's gone soft, and it's trying to drag you down with it.
But you're not called to be like the world. You're called to be like Christ.
It's time for some hard truth. The kind that'll make some of you squirm. The kind that'll get me labeled as "intolerant" or "outdated."
Good. Truth should offend the comfortable and comfort the offended.
Here are 12 brutal realities every Christian man needs to face:
Comparison is a tool of the enemy
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." (2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV)
Stop measuring yourself against others. Your race is with Christ, not the world.
Self-improvement isn't selfish, it's stewardship
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18 KJV)
Invest in your relationship with God. It's the best investment you'll ever make.
Emotional debt is spiritual bondage
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5:7 KJV)
Unforgiveness and bitterness will destroy you. Let it go.
God's opinion is the only one that matters
"For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10 KJV)
Live for an audience of One.
Today is the day of salvation
"Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1 KJV)
Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow isn't promised. Serve God now.
Your life is your responsibility
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV)
Stop blaming others. Own your choices.
Pleasing everyone is impossible
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23 KJV)
Following Christ will offend people. Do it anyway.
Relationships matter
"For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself." (Romans 14:7 KJV)
Invest in your church family. You need them, and they need you.
Faith without works is dead
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:17 KJV)
Stop talking about what you'll do for God. Start doing it.
Time is a gift from God
"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV)
Use every moment for His glory.
Joy comes from obedience, not pursuit
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." (John 15:10-11 KJV)
Stop chasing happiness. Pursue holiness.
Your life is your testimony
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 KJV)
Your actions preach louder than your words ever will.
Brothers, these truths aren't easy. But they're necessary.
The world wants you weak. God wants you strong.
The choice is yours. But remember:
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15 KJV)
Man up. Choose God. Live boldly for Christ.
It won't be easy. But it'll be worth it.
Psalm 56:11