Today we continue our conversation about being God’s man in the family. Last week we talked about the importance of resting in our sonship with God and being a brother to others in the Body of Christ.
Today we are going to draw from the book, “God’s Man in the Family” by Floyd McClung. Floyd was a big man with a tender heart.
In this book Floyd has an exercise where he asks us as the reader to look at the men who have had a positive impact on our lives. He encourages us to make a list of these men with qualities that we admire from their lives.
I read this book 30 years ago and did this exercise and as I have prayed it over my life it has helped shape me into the man I am today. Therefore, I share my list with you in the hope that it will inspire you to develop you own as a tool that will shape your life as well.
I framed my list by saying, “I want a love for:” and then listed 8 things or areas. They are:
- God’s Presence. Initially this started as a love for worship but that is expanded to something that goes way beyond that.
- God’s Word. God was drawing me to His Word even before I knew Him. If you love God’s Word, don’t stop there. It is meant to draw us into His presence. God has given us so much more than just a letter. He has given us Himself!
- God’s people. This one has been a rougher journey for me than the first two. I had to work through some negative attitudes to start celebrating God’s bride.
- The lost. Here I choose to identity with the heart of Jesus. He came to “seek and save” the lost.
- Family. My family is a huge blessing but we weren’t strong at connecting at a heart level. So I’ve had to choose to prioritize this one.
- Fun. God wants us to have fun; to relax, chill, and enjoy life. Be in the now moment.
- Excellence. Do things well and be passionate about them. Be all in and be wholehearted.
- Honesty. It’s what relationships are built on. It’s what integrity is built on. Honesty starts with being honest with ourselves.
Now it is your turn. Don’t just use my list. This week take the time to ask these questions and answer them:
- What men have influenced and impacted me in a positive way?
- How did they influence me?
- Which things are important enough to me to be on a list that I will pray through and believe for?
Then take your list and begin to pray through it to work those things into your life.
