What It Means to Be God’s Man

Editor’s Note: On the January 9-10, 2013, FamilyLife Today® broadcasts, host Dennis Rainey interviewed Todd Wagner (senior pastor of Watermark Community Church; Dallas, Texas) about raising sons and daughters. Dennis referred to two lists that Todd has created: What It Means to Be God’s Woman and What It Means to Be God’s Man.

We’ve provided these lists for you. It is our hope that these documents, in addition to the broadcasts, will serve you and your family well.

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Let all that you do be done in love.
–1 Corinthians 16:13-14

1. STEP UP

(Lead. Initiate. Be a man of action. Assume it is your job and your moment. Hate apathy. Reject passivity.)

“I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.” – Ezekiel 22:23-30

When David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army, the mighty men. “Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.” – 2 Samuel 10:7, 12

Other Scripture: Proverbs 20:6, Psalm 101, James 1:23-25, John 10:11-13, 2 Samuel 10, Ezekiel 22:23-31, Proverbs 14:23

2. SPEAK OUT

(Silence in the midst of sin is a sin. Be courageous. Fear God not man. Speak the truth in love.)

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. – Proverbs 31:8-9

Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. – Proverbs 27:5-6

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence. – 1 Peter 3:15

Other Scripture: Proverbs 15:1-2, Proverbs 24:11-12, Jeremiah 1:17, Isaiah 8:11-13, Romans 1:16, Proverbs 14:25

3. STAND STRONG

(Don’t give in when you are challenged, attacked or criticized.)

“Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests and to the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. – Jeremiah 1:18-19

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. – 1 Corinthians 15:58

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. – 1 Peter 5:8-9

Other Scripture: Proverbs 24:10, Philippians 1:27-28, Galatians 1:10, Jeremiah 12:5, I Corinthians 10:13

4. STAY HUMBLE

(Be vigilant against pride. Get the tog out of your eye. Don’t think less of yourself, think of yourself less.)

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:5-7

Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, for still my prayer is against their wicked deeds. – Psalm 141:5

Other Scripture: Proverbs 12:1, Philippians 2:3-5, John 15:5, Micah 6:8, Isaiah 66:2

5. SERVE THE KING

(Seek first His Kingdom, His glory, His righteousness. Hope in the eternal. Live for a greater reward.)

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

Other Scripture: Joshua 24:14-15, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Peter 2:21-23, Hebrews 6:10, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 84:10-12

You may also enjoy reading: “What It Means to Be God’s Woman.”