The Proverbs :: A Guidebook for Menनमूना

One of the main reasons we began FIGHT CLUBS at Passion City Church was to challenge men to step into accountability, experience brotherhood, and, ultimately, live in freedom. We believed then and still do now that if we as men are bold enough to step out of the shadows and into the light, God will do remarkable work in and through our stories. I know that reading those words can make the mission of accountability seem straightforward. However, we know from history and personal experience that intimacy and openness are often anything but easy. Confession and repentance are relatively common words with scary implications. It’s tough for any person, let alone men who feel the need to be strong, protective, and proficient, to admit a weakness or inadequacy. Confession comes at a cost, and we don’t often want to pay that price. But what are we missing out on if we continually refuse to engage in accountability? What could we begin to experience if we were a measure braver than we were afraid? The writer of Proverbs 28 weaves the thread of vulnerability and integrity throughout the passage. We see a few verses in that “ better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways. ” Later in the text, we come to a similar-sounding verse, “ Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall. ” Clearly, the author is trying to drive home a point through his repetition: integrity is to be highly valued and is a primary component of a life of freedom. But how do we increase integrity? How can we ensure that we are developing the right kind of roots, growing deeper in our faith while cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5)? Accountability. The conviction and practice of moving out of the shadows and into the light. It’s the fundamental idea written right in the middle of Proverbs 28: “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” He who confesses his transgressions and forsakes them (i.e., repents, turns away from, moves in a new direction), that man will obtain mercy and be blessed. If we recoil back, being more content in the comfort of our shadows, if we are convinced that we are strong enough, smart enough, and tough enough to go through this life on our own, we will reap the harvest of that isolation. We will not prosper, and we will not mature into the men of integrity that God is calling us to become. The proverbs are begging us to realize that if we want wisdom, we must seek it. And if we desire integrity, character, Godliness, and all other manners of blessings, we must pursue it. The primary tool we use is accountability, confession, and repentance. You have all that you need to step out of the shadows and into the light. You just need to be willing to take that first brave step. — As you commanded Moses and Joshua, God, help me today to be strong and courageous. Not in my power or sufficiency, but in Yours alone. Spur my heart towards deep community, and may I pursue accountability for my good and Your glory.