From Boyhood to Manhood Among the Titans

I had an amazing experience today helping Dave Metsker bring his son (Matthew) through a rite of passage ceremony into manhood.  It was a special occasion and an honor to be a part of it.  When I was asked to be a part of this Dave asked me what I would recommend for the "physical" challenge part of the rite of passage.  I immediately thought we should find a secret grove of some of the largest trees in the world and do it there.

We found the grove and had a great time of giving advice, praying for Matthew, and having an amazing experience together.

Check out all the photos and some video right here.

Thanks Ed, Eric, Juan, Dave & especially

Matthew, for letting me be a part of this great day!

Here is some of my "advise" for Matthew:

The most important challenge before you was spoken by Jesus when He said,

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. ²⁵ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”

(Luke 9:23-25)

The world has a view that men are driven by sex, power and irresponsibility as much as anything. 

God has much greater things in mind for you.  We deny the destructive forces in our lives and learn to live for those things that will bless us and others. 

Here is my simple list of advice on being the Man that God has called you to be:

·        Love God.  Love Him more than ANYTHING or ANYONE else.  Keep your faith personal and passionate. 

·        Love people, especially your family. If you fail at this, you’re not really loving God.  Love them even when they hurt you.  Learn to forgive. 

·        Have a high view of women.  This is a big one to me.  God made them amazing and attractive.  They’re God’s children and therefore they must be cherished, esteemed and honored.  Never forget that they are His.  Be a man who can be trusted.  Be a man who looks women in the eye without looking them over.  You’ll meet some who are vulnerable and needy.  NEVER take advantage of a woman.  Protect them from their own weaknesses by pointing them towards Jesus.    

·        Work with integrity.  Work hard and do things right. This is simple but it will lead to great success. 

·        Be generous. Give to your church, community and to the needy. 

·        Never stop learning and growing.

·        Live life without regrets.  Do what you will not regret later.  Aim high and don’t be afraid to fail.  Pursue your dreams.  Be courageous.  Fulfill your God given potential. 

This simple list isn’t simple after all.  We all will fail at some of these points, but that is what grace is for.  We keep picking ourselves up and learning from our mistakes.