Good Manنموونە
What Now?
I’ve talked a lot about becoming a good man, so it makes sense to me to end our time by talking about the best man, Jesus: “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people” (Luke 2:52). It’s a short verse, but in it we find four distinct ways Jesus grew, matured, and lived.
Wisdom is important to God because by wisdom, we grow into the men we are supposed to be: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God for it” (James 1:5). In step with Jesus, we can begin every day chasing wisdom and building truth into our souls. We must take the time to read, listen, and engage with the things that will broaden our minds and deepen our understanding of His truth.
Stature refers to Jesus’s physical growth. Luke 2:52 demonstrates that our physical health and growth are important to God. Taking care of our bodies is a necessary aspect of becoming a whole man. This will look different for all of us. For me, it’s self-discipline of eating healthier, getting outside, and sticking to a regular workout routine. For us to live and move at our best in this world, we must take care of the bodies God gives us.
Favor perhaps is the most important of all the ways Jesus grew, matured, and lived, for out of it our healing and strength will grow. Jesus devoted time to His relationship with His heavenly Father. Finding favor with God is integral to our journey of becoming good men. Whatever you need to be doing to grow closer to and foster obedience to God, do it!
Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples” (John 13:35). To do this thing right and walk this path well, we need other people. We need to love and to be loved. To know and to be known. To strengthen others and to be strengthened. Dedicate time and energy to build relationships.
Create practical ways to move forward on this path of becoming a good man. More than anything, I want you to remember that we are not perfect and never will be, but we are created with a purpose that will change the world and echo into eternity.
Prayer: God, show me what practical steps I am to take today as I commit to becoming Your good man. In Jesus’s name. Write down what God shows you.
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About this Plan
What if a good man is a broken man, a struggling man? I find that most of the people God uses to build His kingdom and spread His message are flawed and imperfect. I also find in each of them—despite their shortcomings—a resolute desire to follow the call of their Creator. This week let’s piece together a new image of what a good man might truly be.
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