Surrender Now, Men

I’m no psychologist or any other type of expert when it comes to the male mind. All my theories are based on self experience and observations. With that being said, why is it that men are so afraid of God? Now some of you all may be saying to yourselves, and especially the ladies, “if you all are so afraid of God, why do you all do such stupid things?” We are wired that way but that’s another discussion all together. Actually the fear that I am referring to is total surrender to God.

We were set up for failure from the get go. When the serpent entered the garden and tempted the woman, where was Adam? Was he out doing as he was told to do, which was to abdad and shamar – to serve and protect? No! He was standing right by her watching it all unfold. When the serpent tempted the woman to eat of the forbidden fruit, did he rise up and bash the serpents head in? No! Instead, it kind of went like this, “Hey honey, can I have a bite too?” He failed. He failed to be that leader, protector and provider. He then became a slave to the world, a slave to sin.

How often are we enslaved by our sins, men? How often do we turn from the face of God when we sin, instead of running to him? And the question that hurts most, especially if you are a husband and/or a father, how often have we failed to be that leader, protector and provider? If you are not headed in the right direction, then how can you expect to lead? One of my favorite scripture passages is from Romans 12, verses 1-2: I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” Surrender! When you surrender to God and become a living sacrifice, your life as you once knew it will be turned around. Is that to mean that life will then be easier? No, but through the grace of God and trusting in Him, you will make it through those hard times. “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Ask God and allow Him to imbue you with the Holy Spirit and be transformed both mind and body. Let go of your pride and let God do his work with you and through you. It’s time that men quit being followers, and start to become the priests, the leaders of their homes.

I would encourage you to become a part of a spiritual men’s group at your parish, or get one going at your parish if there is not one. One that I am a member of and brought to our parish is The King’s Men, a Catholic men’s accountability group. There are so many others as well. Go out and do some research and start getting involved and start becoming that leader that God wants you to be. God bless.