Men of ObedienceSampel

He’s Good at Being God

Western Christians and churches are experiencing arrested development.

Our adult members can often still drink milk from a sippy cup and act like toddlers in the faith. This crisis of discipleship is complex, but Chris Galanos sums it up well when he candidly says, “I was surprised by how much I hadn’t been obeying.”[1]

Compare that to Jill Weber’s invitation to obey God. She writes, “The answer is yes, but what’s the question?...Yes to whatever God thinks I should do because He’s obviously smarter, wiser, and more creative than I am.”[2]

Let’s finish this week with a question about our part in this life of obedience and an invitation to acknowledge God's part.

The question:

What is “that thing” you know Jesus is asking you to start or stop doing?

Begin today. Give. Love. Forgive. Sacrifice. Confess. Quit watching so much Netflix.

I hope this week prompted you to consider the cost of disobedience, the goodness of obedience, the glory of Christ Jesus, the need to take the next step, and elements of classic masculinity that we need to both cling to and throw away in obedience to Christ.

It all leads to this invitation:

Trust God to finish the work of raising us.

We don’t face this crisis of discipleship and widespread disobedience to God alone. God is good at being God. The Craftsman of Creation knows how to help His children grow up.

Men, we can trust our heavenly Father. He is our Shepherd (Psalm 23). He is always with us (Matthew 28:20). It’s not our job to raise ourselves or solve the problems in our churches. It is our job to obey our Father and to trust Him.

For 11 years, I’ve been watching my children grow. The growth is often imperceptible, but it’s equally undeniable. It has happened one day and one decision at a time.

Trust the Lord to raise you and leave the outcomes and timing in His hands. Scripture says, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Your part is just to keep saying yes to the next thing; “Yes to whatever God thinks I should do because He’s obviously smarter, wiser, and more creative than I am.”

“From Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)

Prayer: Lord, I believe You are the perfect Father, but sometimes I also doubt. Help me to trust You. Increase my faith in You, Father! Lead me into the next steps today and remove the weight of worry and responsibility about how I’ll grow up in my faith. Show me again that You’re with me and that I can trust You. Amen.

Reflection: If you trusted God more deeply, how would that impact your daily life? What burdens might you let go of? How might greater trust help you take the next step I asked you to consider above?

Thanks for walking with us through this devotional! For more great content geared to men, come visit us at Impactus!

[1] From Megachurch to Multiplication: A Church's Journey Toward Movement by Chris Galanos, Kindle Location 1457.

[2] How to Hear God by Pete Grieg, pg 227.