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The Heart of a Man

Image Bearer! Do you often view yourself, your heart, and your life as being a representation of your God? It seems like such an abstract thought, yet scripture is clear that we have been made in His image. For years I simply thought this meant God had two eyes, two ears, ten fingers, and ten toes. But it’s so much more than that: we actually have His heart.

God wants more for us as His image-bearers. More life, more dignity, more strength, vision & clarity. More of us belonging to more of Him. That is the hope of Jesus in our life.

So what does all of this really mean to you? What does it really mean to be more like Jesus? The world & many of our churches have told men we should look and act a lot like Mr. Rogers. Sweet, gentle & nice. As men, the main messages we receive are "behave yourself" and "be nice." Now, of course, we are to be kind & compassionate like Jesus, but we are also called to be warriors.

Let’s contrast Mr. Rogers with William Wallace in the movie Braveheart. Here is a picture of a man who refused to compromise with tyranny & oppression regardless of the cost. A man of conviction and morals. Wallace never told the men who were fighting for their freedom to “go and fight.” Instead, he invited them to go and fight with him. He led the charge.

Now let me ask you, which one do you believe is more like Jesus? Mr. Rogers, sweet & nice, or William Wallace? God created you to be compassionate, but fierce towards the kingdom of darkness. Remember: you are an image-bearer of a warrior King and He gave you His heart.