Ephesians 4:2New International Version (NIV)
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Have you ever read this verse and felt like you are not sure you could live up to that? At times it feels like a hammer hitting me when I read this verse.
Sometimes we will take Paul’s words to be gentle and start applying it to become a passive man. If this was the true thought of Paul, why did he encourage Timothy to stand and be bold?
I think, in my mind, that there has to be diversity in the moments. How would a police officer, soldier, fireman, a manager, or even a church leader stand when he is faced with adversity or a tough situation?
There has to be both a place for boldness and being humble. It is by allowing the Holy Spirit take control and step into those situations. I believe that this is why the Christian man goes running.
Often we are taught from the pulpit meekness, gentleness, and loving one another. All of this is good, but there are times a man you must stand. Nowhere do I see in Scripture Jesus cowering. Even in the face of Pilot, he stood knowing who had the true authority, and it came from his Father.
Men, here is a call to lead. Here is an all call to stand. Here is a call to be bold. It is time to face our enemy, the devil, and allow the Holy Spirit the Power to work in our lives. That I how men start showing up.
Strength and Courage
Michael
