“A man sees what needs to be done and does it!” Ever heard that quote? Christ set the greatest example for men to follow. Jacob shows us what that can look like in daily living.

Scripture

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love. 

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Reflect

The culture we live in is becoming increasingly “man” absent.  Over 40% of children today grow up in homes with one parent and 34% of those grow up in a home where only mom is present.  I want to first of all say thank you to moms for putting in long hard hours to care for your children well.  Wives, if you’re reading this…pass this along to your husbands!  They need to be reminded of how important their role is in the family and in raising your children.

Is it any wonder the majority of boys growing up in our culture have no idea what it looks like to be and live like a man?  Thankfully for us, we have a great example…Christ!  Let’s look at a few ways we can teach our boys what it looks like to be a MAC (Man After Christ).

• See it and do it. – Many of us might be too busy and/or distracted to simply look around and see! If we aren’t looking for ways we can serve and do, how will we ever know when we’re supposed to jump in and help out?  Ask your kids to join you in tasks like cleaning up after dinner, taking out the trash, cleaning the house.  Serve alongside them so they see what you see and learn to look for similar things.  During trips, outings, vacation pause during those times to ask them what they saw.  Ask a follow up question of whether they saw a need they could have filled.  Work these questions into everyday life so they begin to see and do on their own.
• Teach practical things. – Fathers, show your boys how to use a drill, how to mow the lawn, how to change a tire, how to ask a girl on a date.  I work with college students and I am always amazed how many college age guys don’t know how to use everyday tools or how to talk to girls.  This can be a fun experience for you both.  Schedule one Saturday a month for you to show them something new!
• Point them to Christ. – Use stories from Scripture to show your boys how Christ led, taught people, and responded in grace and love (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).  Incorporate these stories into any and all of the lessons you are teaching them.  After you have spent time seeing and doing, pause to reflect and make a connection through a spiritual perspective.  As Christian men, we love, serve and stand strong in the Lord regardless of where we are and what we’re doing.

This world needs a generation of men who sees what needs to be done and does it.  Be intentional with the time you have – demonstrate what it looks like to be MAC!

Camper Corner

Read the verse at the top of this devotional (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).  What do you think it means to be a man?  Who are some men in your life who have modeled for you what this looks like?  Are there any tools or skills you are interested in learning more about?