The Glocal Church

Life is somewhat like Everest…very few have conquered it; however, many have paid its ultimate price…

For me, that begs the question “Is life something to conquer, or something to which we surrender?”

Looking at the life of Christ, we finds its answer, and it’s not one most of us easily accept. The answer is found in Philippians 2

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:5-8

This biblical axiom is like the flu shot for a child…The child cannot see past the sting of the vaccination to the medicinal cure of the vaccine itself.

To quote Al Pacino in the movie “The Devil’s Advocate:” “Vanity is definitely my favorite sin.”

Like most young boys growing up, I thought that real men were defined by their physical strength or mental prowess….and that may indeed be partially true for some…However, as I have gotten older, I have learned much about true masculinity, and that it is actually found in a man’s “posture”…No, I’m not referring to walking and sitting in a straight and upright position (although that’s good as well).

No, I have discovered over my 39 years, and especially the last and most incredible 13 years with my wife, and the never-boring and always exciting last 7 years with my wonderful little girl, that it’s my “spiritual posture” that truly defines my masculinity as a man, as a husband, and as a father!

Let me briefly explain…My wife is a huge Natalie Grant fan. Natalie Grant is a famous Christian singer and songwriter. I have only recently become a true fan of Natalie Grant and her music, primarily through my wife’s iPod, as we spend time together.

You may be asking yourself “what in the world does a female Christian singer have to do with true masculinity…” Well, I’m glad you asked!”

It all goes back to that one word “posture!”  Natalie Grant’s most recent release is entitled “I will not be moved.”

Read the lyrics I’ve copied below…

I know this idea of submission to gain strength and wisdom is quite paradoxical…However, the Hebrew writer recorded it best in Hebrews 2:7… “For a little while you made him lower than the angels, and you crowned him with glory and honor.”

I can only find my true and authentic masculinity by submitting my life and yielding it to Christ everyday…Then, and only then, I will not be moved!