Category: Wildman Journey (Page 52 of 87)

In the Near East, centuries ago successive cultures built new cities on top of earlier ones rather then spreading out.  After burning down what was there they built on the ruins of the old.  These ruins of ancient cities, which were built on top of another were  called  “tells.”  Archaeological digs take place on these tells.  Thomas Keating compares our spiritual journey to that of an archeological dig through the various stages of our lives, such as midlife crisis, adult life, adolescence, puberty, early childhood and infancy.

The digs are like “a series of humiliations of the false self” (Keating), giving us the opportunity to let  go of our attachments to the false self.  It creates space in our soul for the Holy Spirit to come in and bring healing.  Psychological junk that has been warehoused in our soul is evacuated by the  Spirit.  As God invites us to greater self-knowledge, he often withdraws blessings and plunges us into darkness, spiritual dryness, and confusion.  For many believers this is disconcerting. They see themselves failing. But Keating tells us, “instead of going away, God simply moves downstairs….waits for us to come and join him.”  In this way we move closer to the Lord’s presence at the center.

Lately I have been struggling  with a new awareness of darkness in my own soul.  I don’t like the evacuating process.  However,  at this stage in my spiritual journey, I know that God is beyond this personal darkness at the center, calling me home.   This allows me to endure the dry, dark times, even though it is unpleasant.  If I am to grow I need to face what is really there.  I have created an illusionary false self over many years, the result of all my spiritual improvement projects,  to look spiritual.  But it doesn’t match reality, the way life actually happens.  Like Paul, I can say, “What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise…..I decide to do good, but I don’t have what it takes” (Rom 7:15 & 17 – Message).

A quote from Thomas Merton has been helpful.  “There is no greater disaster in the spiritual life than to be immersed in unreality, for life is maintained and nourished in our vital relation with realities outside and above us.  When our life feeds on unreality, it must starve.  It must therefore die…..The death by which we enter into life is not an escape from reality but a complete gift of ourselves  which involves a total commitment to reality.”

There you have it, men.  I have to go through the death process, that is, “a series of  humiliations to my false self”.  Again I identify with Paul.  Listen to  the Message. See if you can identify with him.   “Convinced that no human being can please God by self-improvement, we believed in Jesus as the Messiah so that we might be set right before God by trusting in the Messiah, not by trying to be good…..I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. Christ’s life showed me how, and enabled me to do it.  I identified myself completely with him.  Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ.  My ego in no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion of me. The life you see me living is not ‘mine,’ but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  I am not going to go back on that” ( Gal. 2:16, 19-21). I simply say amen.

Jonathan Haidt in a post identifies a dynamic he believes is tearing America apart.  He references an article entitled, “Fear and loathing across party lines: New Evidence on group polarization.”  The article reported on four studies in which Americans were given various ways to reveal both cross-partisan and cross-racial prejudice, and in all cases cross-partisan prejudice was larger.  “This rising cross-partisan hostility means that Americans increasingly see the other side not just wrong, but as evil.  Americans can expect rising polarization, nastiness, paralysis, and governmental dysfunction for a long time to come.”

This observation by Haidt comes as a “soul alert.” In the  present political and moral climate  a committed follower of Jesus will seem like a sheep going out among wolves.  When Jesus sent out the 72, two by two, he warned them, “On your way!  But be careful – this is hazardous work.  You’re like lambs in a wolf pack” (Luke 10:3 – Message).  When He sent out the 12 he warned them “Stay alert!  This is hazardous work I’m assigning you.  You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves.  Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove” (Matt 10:16- Message).  Then Jesus added, “Don’t be naïve. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation – just because you believe in me” (Matt 10:17 – Message).

Men learn to see yourself as  lambs and sheep.  Jesus advice to us  – don’t be naïve, you will be targets of character assassination.  So be cunning like a snake and as inoffensive as a dove.  In other words, learn to spiritual navigate your way in an unfriendly environment and don’t make a scene.  Become a  subversive ( Eugene Peterson).  This is valuable advice in the highly charged partisan political season we have entered.  I have always identified myself as a “committed evangelical,” but I agree with Russell Moore when he stopped describing himself as an “evangelical.”  Instead I simple say I am a humble follower of Jesus, since I find myself being violated, manipulated and deeply misunderstood, by  politicians, cultural elites and the media. The church could be entering an exile existence  within a post-Christian culture.  How do we respond?  Here are five suggestions.

First,  simply share your story as a humble follower of Jesus.  Avoid partisan rhetoric.  The partisan landscape is all shifting sand.  It is a matter of opinions and perspective. But Jesus give you a firm place to stand.  He is a rock and a fortress in the time of trouble.

Secondly, be intentional about  practicing the presence of Jesus.  A godly presence can be more effective then words and opinions.  Some times, like  Jesus,  silence is the best witness.  Do not get caught “whining” about how bad our culture has become.  Learn to live within culture, while not being a part of the culture.

Thirdly,  purpose to maintain a thankful, optimistic attitude about being part of  the kingdom of God.  Pray as Jesus taught us to pray. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10).  We know the end of the story.

Fourthly,  cry out for God to be merciful to us as a nation.  We are not deserving of mercy, but  pray that He would have mercy on us. Bonhoeffer reminded us that, “Jesus Christ lived in the midst of his enemies.”

Fifthly, it could be that the church is in exile within our culture. As God told the Hebrews to pray for the Babylonians during their exile, we likewise need to pray for our nation. “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile” (Jer. 29:7).

Kenny Luck  at “Every Man Ministries” sees a “third wave masculinity” rising in our nation. Traditional masculinity is out.  Reactive femininity is out.  “The ‘third wave’ of masculinity and femininity,” suggests Luck, “[is] not a reaction.  It’s a solution because it doesn’t seek to garner power and control or create distance to accomplish the important goals of life and living. It is a breath of fresh air.  It eliminates competition and creates cooperation.  It heals wounds and brings unity. It’s a different dimension that traditionalism and feminism cannot touch.”

The message of reactive femininity to “be the man and be a better man than men themselves can be” has only caused confusion, frustration and disappointment in gender relationships. Culturally, the gender wars are going to be with us for the foreseeable future, with little prospect of reconciliation between the genders.  I have great empathy for a spiritually-motivated man, who desires to be God’s man in our present day of gender confusion.  And I personally identify with Luck’s sentiments regarding gender relationships.  Reactive femininity has gained a strong voice in our culture because women have rightly reacted to the injustices of traditional male roles and behavior.  Men have often reacted in defensive ways, not willing to examine their motives and behavior.

I identify with Luck’s “third wave masculinity.”  From my vantage place as an older male who has always had a heart for men, I am motivated to articulate a third way, since I have lived through the first two waves and some of its ramifications. In the  70’s and early  80’s, I was riding the wave of the “male headship” movement.  While I accepted my role and responsibility as the head of my family, I admit to being more concerned about position than relationship.  Then, in the late 80’s and 90’s, there was a shift in the evangelical camp.  A more egalitarian approach replaced that of the complementarian.  This brought about a balance.  Men since then have had to learn how to live more as a “tender warrior.”  The New Man is one who has inner strength but also has a tenderness of heart.  While being secure in their masculinity, men are learning to be “gender sensitive.”

Surprisingly, many men in the third wave have a prophetic posture in their walk with God.  They sense a call on their lives. They are breaking new ground for the men who will follow.  They identify with “the spirit of Elijah,” embracing the call given to John the Baptist, “He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare for the coming of the Lord.  He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly  (Luke 1:17 NLT).  These men know the importance of being fathered by their heavenly Father.  They have been nurtured and fed by the rich contemplative tradition of the church.

I call these men “AA  guys.” They are all out for Jesus, admitting their great need for God’s grace in their lives.  AA guys live with a sense of desperation.  Being helpless to change themselves, they are willing to deal with their pain and wounds to find healing.  They live their lives as “wounded healers.”  They are soulful men who go deep.  They model transformation, knowing that change starts from within.   They are men who express their hunger for God and a desire to know His love.  They are not ashamed to be called “lovers of God.” They are forerunners of a new type of overcomer. Saint Bernard called them “knights for Christ.”

Ron Rolheiser shares a story about soul fatigue in a recent blog.  “A number of men who made their living as porters were hired one day to carry a huge load of supplies for a group on safari.  Their loads were unusually heavy and the trek through the jungle was on a rough path.  Several days into the journey they stopped, unshouldered their loads, and refused to go on.  No plans, bribes, or threats, worked in terms of persuading them to go on.  Asked why they couldn’t continue, they answered: ‘We can’t go on; we have to wait for our souls to catch up with us.'”  They became aware of soul fatigue.

“Waiting for our souls to catch up” is an insightful way of describing the need to pay attention to our soul life; to be a soulful man.  Jesus tells us that in him we can  find rest for our souls (Matt 11).  Many men are unaware of the danger of soul fatigue, content to live on the surface.  While we may be aware of the need for physical rest, along with paying attention to the signs of  mental fatigue and emotional stress, little  attention is given to the neediness of our souls.   Psychologist Roy Baumeister describes the kind of fatigue that goes beyond mere physical tiredness as “ego depletion.”  People living in this depleted condition report more tiredness and negative emotions. Soul fatigue can do harm in our relationships with others.

Our souls need rest.  John Ortberg observes, “Our wills sometimes rejoice in striving; our bodies were made to know the exhilaration of tremendous challenge; our minds get stretched when they must focus even when tired.  But the soul craves  rest.  The soul knows only borrowed strength.  The soul was made to rest in God the way a tree rests in soil.”  The soul can not run on empty.  Eventually we will begin to experience the effects of running on an empty tank.  If the soul does not  get rest, it will become fatigued.

So men, be  aware of soul fatigue.  Knowing your soul to be shy, do not allow your hurried life to neglect your soul.  Though hidden, the soul is the personal operating system of our lives ( Dallas Willard).  It is something like a program that runs a computer.  You will not notice it unless it messes up.  The  soul seeks to integrate our will, mind and body into a whole person.  An unhealthy, neglected soul is one that is disintegrating.  When Jesus said we could forfeit our souls (Matt 16:26) he was referring not to a destination but a diagnosis.  A ruined soul is a soul where the will, mind and body are disintegrating, causing fragmentation, and disconnect from God.  In losing our soul we no longer have a healthy center that organizes and guides our life.

Learn to slow down, listen and pay attention to your soul.  The Palmist reminds himself, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone” (Ps. 62:5).   While we may be busy outwardly, being hurried in our soul  indicating that we are preoccupied with ourselves.  We are not able to be present to the Lord. “‘Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). The word for “still” in Hebrew is “raphe.”  It can mean, “to sink away,” to relax,” to let drop” or “to let go.”  I have personally found that the idea of “sinking” helps me to be more centered in my soul.  I sink into my soul with my mind  by relaxing and letting go. I rest in the Lord by letting drop what preoccupies me.

Not long ago, Christianity Today published an article by covenant pastor, Jeff Long on Mark’s account of Jesus’ baptism in Mark 1.  He noted that the word schizomeneous is used twice in Mark. The word means “to tear or cleave open.”  The Greek root schizo implies a violent, forceful act. The first is at the baptism of Jesus, when he, “saw heaven being torn open.”   The other occurrence is at the time of the crucifixion, when “the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Mark 15:38).

I appreciate Pastor Long’s insight: “Two tearings: the first so that Jesus’ mission to reconcile the world to God would be founded on the Father’s love; the second so that we have access to God and know his extravagant love for us.  In both instances, God disrupted reality to reveal his personal, loving nature.”  Long goes on to say, “I’m learning to live in the light of the truth that I have a Father who fights for me, who would tear open the heavens for me if necessary…”

The event of Jesus’ baptism reveals God as a Father who acts on our behalf, not only with loving kindness, but also with a forceful initiative.  God spoke in such a way that the heavens were torn open.  The people of God had been waiting for 400 years for  God to speak.  The decisive voice from heaven gave John confirmation, as he took up the mantle as the prophetic forerunner of Jesus, saying of himself. “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.'” (John 1:23).  The voice of the Father also gave Jesus assurance of his father’s love, becoming the very foundation of his ministry.  “The Son can’t independently do a thing, only what he sees the Father doing.  What the Father does, the Son does.  The Father loves the Son and includes him in everything he is doing” (John 5:19-20 – Message).

Men, our heavenly Father breaks through our clouded, distorted present reality to convey to us the assurance of his love.   He declares, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).  Ultimately for each man, we need to still and quiet our souls so that we can hear for ourselves the certainty of his love for us.  Remember God is able to break through our present reality, which include  illusions we have come to believe regarding our unworthiness.  Words about God’s love can be heard repeatedly, but until we receive this truth in our souls, we live with nagging doubt.  Only God’s love can break through your false reality confirming our worthiness to be “the beloved of the Father.”  Men let yourself be loved by your Father.

The second tear happened when the curtain was torn in the temple, symbolizing our way back to the Father.   Men, please receive this truth.  Jesus died a violent, shameful death for you, so that you can now come directly and freely right into the presence of the Father.  Hear me – there is no condemnation in his presence.  “The truth is that no condemnation now hangs over the head of those who are ‘in’ Christ Jesus. For the new spiritual principle of life ‘in’ Christ Jesus lifts me out of the old vicious circle of sin and death” (Rom 8:1 – Phillips).  We can come with absolute confidence.  “So, friends, we can now – without hesitation – walk right up to God, into ‘the Holy Place.’  Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God.  The ‘certain’ into God’s presence is his body” (Heb 10:19-21 – Message).

At one of our last small group meeting we discussed male and female relationships within Christian community.  Our group has been meeting for over seven years.  We care for each other, know each other’s story fairly well, and are respectful as to where each of us is on the spiritual journey.  We all honor Jesus as Lord of our lives, believe in Scripture as the Word of God, and want God’s best in our lives.  Our discussion of gender roles and values, made it very apparent to me how sensitive and personal the discussion of gender has become among the followers of Jesus.  Here are some take-aways from our discussion.

First the need for what I would call “gender sensitivity.”  While all six of us are sincere  followers of Jesus, is was obvious that we held different views regarding the role and responsibility  of male and female both within marriage and in the  church.  Issues that dealt with such subjects as “headship,” “submission,” and  “feminism” were seen from different perspectives.   The whole discussion around egalitarian vs. complementarian interpretations of scripture, produced decidedly different points of view.  We basically decided to “agree to disagree.”  I personally saw the need to practice “gender sensitivity.”  Today’s cultural climate is very different from the early 70’s when I was forming my views. The roles have become much more unsettled.

Secondly, the need for “gender security.”  This applies personally as well as in marriage.  I find that the more I am secure in my gender identity, the more open, caring and responsive I can be in the gender discussions.  In my marriage, I need to continue to have frank and honest dialogue with my wife regarding our unique role and responsility as man and woman who are  “one flesh.”   The more naturally  we relate to one another, the more effective our witness can be in a culture that is confused regarding relationships between husband and wives.

Thirdly, be open to hear the storys of  “gender mistreatment.”  The memory of our personal stories  often reflect unresolved anger and hidden hurt due to the dysfunction of mother and father in our family relationships. This contributes to distortions regarding  gender roles and responsibilities. For example, when I have spoken before groups made up of predominately women, I confess my misogynist past due in part to my father’s example. I have publicly asked for forgiveness for the way women have been treated in the past by men..

Fourthly, don’t impose your views on  others.  In the past I have been guilt of imposing my view of  healthy masculinity unto other men who are different from myself.  I have also reacted to strong women, because my mother was a dominating mother who unknowingly smothered her first born son emotionally.  As a pastor I have been guilty of judging the “marriage dynamic” of others, based on my experience of marriage.

Fifthly, respect how each is working out their roles.  This can be very difficult in a day with the ascendency of the feminine and the descent of the masculine in the gender wars.  Our task as men is to become secure in our masculine soul, learning God’s plan for the role he has given us in the culture and to be have a servant heart to all who we relate to  at home, church and in the culture.

Finally, remember that we owe a debt of love to all others. “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Rom 13:8).

“Men are easily threatened……Something good in men is stopped and needs to get moving.  When good movement stops, bad movement (retreat or domination) reliably develops” (Larry  Crabb).  In all the reading I do to better inform my desire to help men, one of the consistent descriptions of the masculine is the desire to take the initiative.  For example, Stu Weber – “Masculinity means initiation.  To be masculine is to take initiative.  To provide direction, security, stability and order.” This implies  movement.  But it will be hard at times.  Life will not be easy.  God told Adam, “you’ll be working in pain all your life long…” (Gen 3:17 – Message).  Good movement, as it relates to “relational masculinity” (Crabb), will need help to keep moving toward the other, especially in relation to the feminine.

Bad movement, the kind that causes a man to hide in the safety of his  “man cave” or to become aggressively insensitive comes natural to a man.  It is part of the old nature, or the false self.  At the core, the false self will falter in relationships. Paul said of himself, “It happens so regularly that it’s predictable.  The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up…Parts of me covertly rebels, and just when I least expect it, they take charge” (Romans 7:21-3 – Message). In particular, I find myself tripping up and covertly rebelling often during the intimate interchanges with my wife.  I am not present in a loving, supportive way.  Good movement stops and bad movement takes over.

Good movement is initiated  through our new nature or true self.   Our true self  in Christ, gives us the desire and intentionality  to enter into relationship.  Being dependent on the Holy Spirit, equips us to move into those “murky” waters of uncertainty with the feminine.  “Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them – living and breathing God!  Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life” (Rom 8:7 – Message).  Rather then feeling cornered, our true self creates space for us to respond in a Christlike manner.

Underlying the presence of good movement is the assumption that “God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.”  In our natural responses as men, we are not able to maintain good movement.  The momentum is usually turned inward on our self as a result of our insecurity and defensiveness.  God tells us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (II Cor 12:9).  God’s grace gets us moving in a positive direction.

Here are two aspects of good movement that are vital in intimate relationships. First, rejecting passivity.  Bad  movement happens when a man is tempted to move away from relating, either through silence or dominance. The uncertainity  of not  responding properly to others can isolate a man.   At his core a man is usually fearful when he moves  away.  Good movement occurs when a man “leans into” relationships.  He lives with an open heart, expressed in vulnerability.

Secondly, accepting responsibility.  Bad movement occurs when a man avoid his God given responsibilities in relationships.  He is primarily looks out after himself with little regard for the emotional needs of his wife and children.  Being “emotionally present” is not a priority.  Good movement is apparent in a man’s life, when he establishes right priorities in life, by putting his wife and children ahead of all other matters in his life.  He will selflessly set aside his desires to give himself, first to God, then his wife and children.

I have not been to see the movie “Concussion,” but as a NFL fan, I have  read several reviews.  As many of you know the movie tells the story of how one medical Doctor was able to expose the hidden damage done to NFL football players due to concussions.  When Dr. Bennet  Omalu, a Nigerian physician, published his findings in a prestigious medical journal, he expected the NFL to be grateful.  Rather than gratitude the NFL went after the Doctor both personally and professionally, causing much harm to his career and reputation.  But his strong faith motivated him to press on.  He prayed “Lord God Almighty, if this is not of your will, if I am on the wrong side, I pray you’d reveal it to me.”  Interestingly, Omalu’s full name in his native Ibo language means “he who knows, must speak.”

“He who knows, must speak,” seems to me  an appropriate challenge for  men who read this blog.  I thought of I Peter 3:14, “Don’t  fear what they fear; don’t be disturbed.  Sanctify the Messiah as Lord in your hearts, and always by ready to make a reply to anyone who asks you to explain the hope that is in you.  Do it, though, with gentleness and respect.” (Wright).  Another translation reads, “give a quiet and reverent answer” (Phillips).  The Message tells us to speak, “with the utmost courtesy.”

We live in a time when being  a witness for the Lord Jesus is not an easy proposition, especially if you happen to be a white evangelical male. In general, God talk is fine, but there is less tolerance in speaking the name of Jesus. The cultural narrative has become decidedly negative towards any expression of Jesus as Lord.  However, due to our cultural confusion and ignorance  of the gospel story, a clear, positive and convincing witness of the name of Jesus is more imperative then ever.  “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). It is my contention that a witness of the Lord Jesus expressed in “gentleness and respect,” showing genuine courtesy can make an impact in the lives of a doubting culture. But be warned –  our witness as men who are sincere followers of Jesus will have limited influence if it is not done in a respectful  and reverent manner

This does not mean that we should shy away from bearing witness to Jesus. But we will need to continually monitor the attitude and spirit in which we speak of Jesus.  For as the Phillips translation puts it, “You need neither fear  men’s threats nor worry about them; simply concentrate on being completely devoted to Christ in your hearts.”  In all encounters be devoted to Jesus.  So my encouragement to the readers of this blog is to simply be themselves as followers of Jesus.  Each will have a  unique story to tell about the presence  of Jesus in their lives.  Above all else, do not  shy away from speaking about Jesus.  When you are asked, speak of Jesus. “Always be ready to make a reply to anyone who asks you to explain the hope that is in you.”  Simply tell the story of Jesus presence in your life.

Let every man today be encouraged in their personal witness.  Through all the negativity you will face as a follower of Jesus, simply focus on Jesus as Lord, and speak of Him.  He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  This we know; so we must speak of the name of Jesus.

Fear is an emotion men have been conditioned to avoid when it involves intimacy in personal relationships.  Men become silent and flee, becoming passive for fear of failing, especially in relation to the feminine.   The fear of “not being enough” can  cause men to stiffen up in defensiveness, because of  the insecurity and inadequacy of  relating poorly.  Men hold back for fear of not connecting.   Larry Crabb maintains that, “Men generally live without a clear vision for what masculine movement into life  – especially how relationships – would look like.”  We  prefer getting on with life by doing something, rather then entering into the reality of our relational life.

Recently my wife and I have been going through a “course adjustment” in our 50 year old marriage pilgrimage.  Judy has been taking more intuitive, while I have been responding rather poorly. It has been a hard reality  for me to admit.  I prayed that I might reconnect with my bride, who I could tell was becoming frustrated with me.  In a recent conversation at the Sunday dinner table, Judy asked me the question, “What are you afraid of ?”  Of course, I denied I was fearful.  But later in the afternoon on a prayer walk, I sense she was asking the right question.  I was afraid.

So at a later time of sharing with Judy I was able to admit I was fearful of being out of control.  Our marriage is like a dance.  Judy was now practicing some new moves,  changing our familiar rhythm.  I know this was right for her and our marriage, but I was not adjusting very well.  I did not like the new rhythm that would mean learning new moves.  It is hard for me to change.  I have always felt that one of my strengths in our marriage, was  being a “relational guy.”  I can lean into intimacy, while handling anything that my wife had to offer.  But not in our present dance.  I had to admit I was failing to learn the new steps of the  dance.

Something happened after  my confession.  Afterwards, I was surprised by the freedom I felt in my spirit.  For several weeks prior to this incident, I was not a very “happy camper” spiritually.  I entertained negative toward  my wonderful bride.  I spent a great deal of time justifying my “cold shoulder” approach to the new dance moves.  I wanted to push Judy away, rather then enter into the intimacy of our unique marriage dance.   We are back in rhythm, trying out of new emotional moves.  I know I will stumble, but I have a new freedom in knowing its ok to stumble as I learn the new moves.

I share this with the wildmen of this blog because of the learning that occurred for me.  It is this.  I had to admit to my wife, my weakness in being able to accompany her in the new moves she felt were important to improve our dance.  I had to come to the realize that I was failing in the intimacy of our dance.  It was especially hard for me, because I thought our dance was just fine.  Hear me when I say – God helps us on our weakness.  There is not a man reading this blog, who does not feel helpless and faltering at times in the intimacy of marriage.  So let’s man up and ask for God mercy to help us in our weakness, as we lean into that intimacy of the dance. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is make perfect in weakness” ( II Cor 12:9).

Camille Paglia, the anti-feminist feminist, in a recent widely quoted interview expressed the belief that the rise of transgenderism in the West is a symptom of decadence and cultural collapse.  “Nothing,” she observed, “better defines the decadence of the West to the jihadists than our toleration of open homosexuality and this transgender mania now.”  Her concern is how we are defining ourselves to the world.  In her studies she has found, “… that history is cyclic, and everywhere in the world you find this pattern in ancient times: that as a culture begins to decline, you have an efflorescence of transgender phenomena.  That is a symptom of cultural collapse.”

Her comments suggest to me  that men reading this blog should consider themselves as cultural warriors by being “warrior of the light.”  I first heard that phrase, many years ago, in a song by Phil Discroll.  We are told in Roman 13 to put on the armor of light.  “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  The night is nearly over, the day is almost here.  So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (vs. 11-12).  When a confirmed secularist warns us of a cultural collapse, I would  suggest that we have been living in darkness.  But the promise is that day is almost here.

We are to “wake up” from our slumber by putting off the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.  One of the tactics of the enemy is to create  spiritual darkness,  blinding us to the realities screaming at us through the daily headlines we read about and see on TV.  “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” ( II Cor 4:4).  But we are to live as children of the light. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light…” ( II Cor 5:8).  As darkness has descended on our culture, the light of the gospel shines brighter. “Let us walk in the light of the Lord” (Isaiah 2:5).

So men, let us rise up as “Warriors of the Light” knowing that God is working in the darkness.  A war is being waged between light and darkness.  Economics, politics and education will not win this battle.  As wildmen we see the battle as  between Jesus who is the light of the world and the one who Jesus called “the prince of darkness.”  Jesus has invaded enemy territory  –  “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).  Culture is blind to this epic battle.  But as warriors behind enemy lines we are engaged in this battle.

Therefore, we put on the “armor of light.”  I suggest that this means we intentionally live in the presence of Jesus in our daily lifestyle.  We practice an outward, upward posture of beholding the Lord’s presence.  “My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek” (Ps 27:8).  Above all else, we keep our gaze on Jesus.  “Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face.  And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him” (II Cor. 3:18 – Message). Men transformed by the light are warriors in the darkness.