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8. Spiritual Spiral

As a man, you can be a hero to your family and friends. You can lead and disciple your loved ones through relationship, and by God’s Spirit and by His Word. But only Jesus can be anyone’s Savior!

As a man, you can sometimes rescue some people. But only Jesus can save anyone at any time.

When we forget who does the complete work and who deserves all the glory, our society starts spiraling spiritually once again. As a man, we like to be depended on by others. We all want to be a hero to our wives and children. We must all disciple others in the footsteps of Jesus. But Christ should remain central. Previously we spoke of standing in the gap or getting in the way. All men must stand in the gap for something or someone, but Christ is the only Way for everyone!

Gideon succeeded in rescuing the Israelites. But he later failed in discipling his people and his loved ones in God’s ways. He placed himself in the way instead of leading those around him to the Way. While he was still alive the people enjoyed peace from their enemies and built their beliefs around him. No sooner was he gone than the people began with idol worship once again. Gideon should have stood in the gap as their judge, their leader, their hero, teaching them to seek after and follow God. But instead, he attempted to be their savior, they idolized him, and this got in their way.

When we try to build a theology, an ideology, or any belief around a person instead of Jesus, societies, communities, families, and churches will experience a spiritual spiral. If we are to truly be fearless leaders, mighty heroes, and dauntless disciples, we should point our friends and families toward the Way, Jesus Christ. And we ourselves should stay devoted to Him, not ourselves, nor any other man.

In John 10, Jesus spoke of the sheep who know the Shepherd’s Voice, referring to Himself as the Good Shepherd and His followers as His flock. He indicates with no uncertainty that His followers should know His voice, follow Him, and discern clearly between His voice and outside influencers. But notice the gatekeeper mentioned in John 10:3, “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him (Jesus), and the sheep listen to his (Jesus) voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”

Men, you are the gatekeepers of your marriages and homes. Not only keeping the enemy out but inviting Jesus in. And if you are unmarried for now, you are still the gatekeeper, guarding against future threats and learning to know the Shepherd’s Voice. Leaders, you are gatekeepers in the church and ministries. Your job is to point towards and open the door for Christ to the community in your care; not build your own kingdom on a pulpit or your own ideology in the small groups.

A true gatekeeper for Christ will be a mighty hero, a fearless leader, and a dauntless disciple who will guard against the spiritual spiral. Not only by chasing the darkness of this world out but by letting the Light of the world in.

Read Judges 8:22-35 and Reflect on the Following

1. What other people or beliefs have you built your life around?

2. How can you avoid this and ensure you build your life, your household, and your works around Christ instead?

3. Are you willing to recommit to being a vigilant gatekeeper to your family, friends, and community, even when it gets tough?

4. What do you need to pray about today?