Ray’s Blog - September 2006
Inaugural Issue

One of my favorite scriptures is from Isaiah 26:3: You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Dorothy my wife sends me a daily devotional (www.heartlight.org) and today, it was the scripture from Isaiah. Indulge me if you will and allow me to share with you the thought that accompanied that scripture.” While it is naïve, on one hand, to think that trusting in God makes all our problems go away – Christians have many of the same problems that unbelievers do because they share the same mortal flesh, on the other hand it’s true. If we trust in God, we believe our work stands or falls in his hands and that ultimately we will share in his victorious and glorious presence. It means our lives will not be lived in vain. That’s not just coincidence; it’s the foundation of true peace – life lived to its fullest and richest knowing that it matters and we don’t need to be anxious about the results.” Taking time to read that provided me with the confirmation and assurance to move forward with this writing.

Another confirmation was this quote I discovered during my quiet time.

“Every year, I might almost say every day, that I live, I seem to see more clearly how all the rest and gladness and power of our Christian life hinges on one thing; and that is taking God at His word, believing that He really means exactly what He says, and accepting the very words in which He reveals His goodness and grace, without substituting others or altering the precise modes and tenses which He has seen fit to use.” Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)

As I sit here at the computer, I previously set aside these books to use as possible resources for this first issue. They are:

The first because I’ve always been fascinated by words and the impact they have and also because of the references made to the Book of James from which I am constantly being spanked. I am cognizant about how what I say impacts other people. Sharing comments made by Joe Stowell should be helpful for you in your daily walk. They were for me.

In his introduction, Stowell says the book was originally published in 1983 under the title Tongue in Check. At the time, he was concerned with the way our talk tended to undermine the work of Christ in the church and the destructive power of our words in the home and marketplace. The problem of verbal sin was as bad as it had ever been, and the book was his attempt to address that issue. However, as he was going through the text to update and expand the material, it struck him how much worse this problem has become culturally during the past decade. Now more than ever he says Christians need to consider the potential impact of their words and set an example of positive speech for others.

Stowell goes on to say that something else had changed since the first edition of the book was published. The recent dearth of productive words is getting noticed, so they are becoming a desired commodity.              (continued on next column)

A poll was taken of a hundred and fifty executives to determine what they deemed the most critical qualities in a job candidate. In 1990 the most desired characteristic was “verbal skills.” It was clear that words were important. Yet the results of the same poll released in 1997 showed a surprising shift in thinking. The category of “verbal skills” had dropped to third on the list. Enthusiasm was second. But the most desired traits for employees today are honesty and integrity. It seems that it is becoming less important how well you say something and more crucial to be trustworthy in what you say. The poll noted that people who interview potential employees now spend significant time evaluating a job candidate’s character and integrity. Stowell refers to the Book of James where it says, “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well” (3.2). Translation: What you say and what you don’t say are both important. Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but it is also controlling your desire to say what you shouldn’t. Examples of an untamed tongue include gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teaching, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying. Before you speak, ask, “Is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” I said early on, spanked again by James.

As you view the Men’s Ministry webpage, under our logo you’ll find scripture from Proverbs 27:17 which reads: As Iron Sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another. This relates perfectly to the second book I set aside as a resource entitled; Building Character In a Mentoring Relationship As -Iron Sharpens Iron by Howard & William Hendricks. I had the pleasure of hearing Howard Hendricks speak at a Promise Keepers conference and it was a memorable occasion.

The authors say that most men identify with the American icon of the lone cowboy riding into town to run out the bad guys. Another image is the rugged soldier who single-handedly defends the fort against the troops. Confident, independent, and self reliant are qualities applauded and reinforced by the most popular movies, books, and television shows of our day.

The image of the lonesome hero may make for good drama, but real life is much different. Men need other men for support, guidance, encouragement, and accountability. In fact, the idea of men equipping men is a reoccurring theme in the Bible. It was God’s plan that Christians should learn from one another, grow together in the faith, and pursue excellence in a spirit of partnership.

As authors Howard and Bill Hendricks assert: “Mentoring is a ministry of multiplication. Every time you build into the life of another man, you launch a process that ideally will never end.” As Iron Sharpens Iron clearly show that the deepest and most enduring spiritual growth often takes place in a mentoring relationship. It is in this context that men can share personal struggles, seek guidance from a Christian brother, find spiritual direction, and hammer out the nitty-gritty issues. This is exactly what our Men’s Ministry is designed to do and we live it out by meeting on Monday nights for weekly Bible studies, sharing our struggles, outreach with the Food Ministry and serving the seniors at their quarterly gatherings.