Do you see the war going on around you?  Our young men and boys are being attacked on many fronts these days.  For many years in public schools there is has been and continues to be a dominant pull toward liberal feminism promoting things such as;
Gender differences are determined only by socialization.
Boys are basically rowdy and lean towards destructive behavior.

The media literally slams the Biblical image of men portraying men as weak, soft and incapable of much of anything (anybody seen the ad that has Danica Patrick’s pit crew dress up in high heels, miniskirts and sports bras – all men??).

It is imperative that as men, and more specifically as men of God, that we engage with our response to these realities.  Something I stated in an earlier blog is that if you claim to be a Christ-follower and active in a local church then you are the spiritual father of, not only your own sons, but of every young man and boy in your church.

Men of God, we must take this responsibility seriously, we must stand up and fight for our young men.  If we don’t, how will they know what it means to be created as a male in God’s image?  If we don’t, how will they know the critical roles and responsibilities God has ordained for them as godly leaders in their families, churches and communities.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in ones youth.
Psalm 127:4

We are involved in spiritual warfare and, as men of God, we must engage in the battle. I am convinced that one of the biggest battles is for the lives (hearts, minds and souls) of our young men and boys.  If the men of God do not model Christ-like character and values, how will the next generations learn?  If we do not invest in discipleship and mentoring of young men and boys, how will they be able to stand against the wiles of the evil one?

Each of us has a responsibility to be spiritual fathers to our sons and the other young men and boys that Christ brings across our path.  As men of God, and warriors for Him, it is our responsibility to guide the arrows (spiritual sons) entrusted to us. 

Are you willing to invest as God would have you in this awesome task?  Do you understand the critical need to leave a legacy in these next generations?  Do you see what is happening in our world because of the forces of evil and our lack of response?

Will YOU, man of God, stand up and be counted as one of God’s warriors, helping to shape and guide the arrows (spiritual sons) God has entrusted to you? 

Don Paterson

There will be an Iron Sharpens Iron conference held on October 17th in the Tacoma, WA area www.ironsharpensiron.net

I will be doing a new workshop at that conference on this topic.