The Modern Christian Man

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
1 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV

There was a man, a ancient Greek cynic by the name of Diogenes who would often walk around the city in daylight carrying a lamp claiming to be "Looking for a honest man."  I could certainly see someone doing that even today.  It's no secret that our modern society has produced some pretty bad behaviors.  All one need do is look at the news on any given day to see this trend for themselves.  The scriptures warn us of the signs of the end times, and  we are falling right in step with these predictions.  It is in this perilous environment that the modern christian man exists.  He is not superman, a caped crusader nor a savior of the world, he's just a man created in Gods image.  Depending on his walk with the Lord, it may even be difficult to spot him.  For he often doesn't even carry a bible, devotional or even wear a t shirt with some hip christian phrase on it.  No, you may not notice him if you should encounter him.  He's not in disguise, he just blends into the crowd around him.  You certainly would not recognize him if you didn't already know him.  If Diogenes were to wander a modern city looking for a Godly man, he may get the same result.  Why is this?  Did not Jesus claim that we were the light of the world?  Certainly, but we all lose our way sometimes.  The pleasures of this world can be hard to resist.  Yet here lives the modern christian man.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of Godliness but denying its power.  And from such people turn away!
2 Timothy 3: 1-5 NKJV

Sound like anyone you know?  Sound like any christians you know?  If so then you're not alone.  For even christians are not immune to the pleasure traps of this world.  We are, however, held to an even higher standard of behavior.  There have been, in recent years, many a book and seminar in an attempt to reach out to and  energize our christian men.  Yet it still seems like we're lost in the crowd.  If we are to be the standard bearers of our faith, then we have to realize just where our heredity, our very DNA lies.  For we are not of this world, but are heirs to the kingdom which our Lord has prepared for us.  Created in His very image, we are His vessel on earth that the world may see Him in us.

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NKJV

I dare say that the modern christian man is closer than we may think.  For despite his shortfalls, he continues to exhibit the characteristics of his Lord who resides within him.  He may be hard to spot in a crowd, but that doesn't mean he's not there.  If we look closely upon his heart, his character and his desire to serve his Lord, he will be there.  It is here that you will find the modern christian man.

And when he gets to heaven
To Saint Peter he will tell
"Another soldier reporting, Sir
I've served my time in hell!"

~Scott~